UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT   LOS  ANGELES 


TRANSLATIONS    OF   CHRISTIAN    LITERATURE 

SERIES  III 
LITURGICAL    TEXTS 

Edited  by  C.   L.   FELTOE,   D.D. 


THE    SWEDISH    RITE 


TRANSLATION  OF  CHRISTIAN 
LITERATURE .  SERIES  HI 

LITURGICAL  TEXTS 


THE  §WEDI$H  RITE 

A  TRANSLATION  OF 
HANDBOK  FOR  SVENSKA  KYRKAN 


ByWlC  EYELVERTON,o  b  e  ,  bd. 


J 


SOCIETY  FOR  PROMOTING 
CHRISTIAN  KNOWLEDGE. London 
The  Macmillan  Companu  .lsW\ork 
1921 


o 
to 
o 

►J 

H 


80&7 
A  -  5  E 


TO    MY    WIFE 

NINA 

Psalm  xlv.  3. 


O 


^8988 


EDITORIAL    PREFACE 

There  has  been  much  inevitable  delay  in  bringing 
out  this  volume,  to  which  the  fact  has  largely  contri- 
buted that  Mr.  Yelverton  was  called  away  to  serve  as 
Chaplain  to  the  Forces  just  when  he  was  hoping  to 
complete  his  labours  upon  it.  For  some  time  Dr.  J. 
Howard  Swinstead,  late  English  Chaplain  at  Stock- 
holm, had  likewise  been  at  work  on  the  same  subject 
and  intended  to  publish  his  results.  In  view,  therefore, 
of  the  great  importance  of  English  Church-folk  having 
a  translation  of  the  Swedish  Church  services  in  their 
hands  now  that  the  Lambeth  Conference  has  passed 
a  resolution  (No.  24,  1920)  recommending  intercom- 
munion between  the  two  churches,  he  has  generously 
consented  to  allow  Mr.  Yelverton' s  work  to  supersede 
his  own,  and  to  co-operate  with  us  over  it  :  he  has 
himself  written  the  chief  part  of  the  supplementary 
notes,  which  appear  on  pp.  1,  20,  25,  36,  46,  92,  95,  109, 
130,  besides  giving  us  the  benefit  of  his  advice  and 
suggestions  in  various  other  places.  A  companion 
volume  to  this,  based  upon  Dr.  Swinstead's  Syster 
Kyrkor,  entitled  The  Swedish  Church  and  Ours  (S.P.C.K. 
1921)  (already  well  received  in  Sweden,  and  we  believe 
in  America),  will  also  shortly  appear. 

C.  L.  Feltoe. 
Sept.  1st,  1920. 


In  the  text  of  the  translation,  original  footnotes 
are  printed  in  italics ;  editorial  footnotes  appear  in 
ordinary  type,  and  are  enclosed  in  square  brackets. 


INTRODUCTION 

The  service  books  of  the  Church  of  Sweden  are  three 
in  number — 

1.  The  "  Handbok,"  containing  orders  for  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  sacraments,  together  with  forms  for 
morning  and  evening  prayer  and  the  occasional  offices. 

2.  The  "  Evangeliibok,"  containing  the  Collects, 
Epistles  and  Gospels  for  the  ecclesiastical  year,  with 
additional  prayers  for  use  after  the  sermon  at  High 
Mass. 

3.  The  "  Psalmbok,"  containing  the  Evangeliibok, 
together  with  extracts  from  the  Handbok  for  popular 
use. 

The  Psalmbok  is  the  layman's  prayer  book,  the  hymn, 
or  "  psalm  "  as  it  is  called,  being  a  form  of  devotion 
even  more  popular  among  the  music-loving  Swedes  than 
it  is  among  English  churchmen ;  six  or  seven  hymns  at 
least  are  included  in  the  ordinary  service  of  the  Sunday, 
and,  unlike  the  English  Prayer  Book,  the  Swedish 
Handbok  gives  rubrical  direction  for  their  use.  The 
Handbok,  which  from  the  liturgical  point  of  view  is  the 
most  interesting,  contains  the  following — 

1.  The  Office  of  High  Mass. 

2.  The  Offices  of  Morning  and  Evening  Prayer. 

3.  The  Litany  and  Occasional  Prayers. 

4.  The  Administration  of  Baptism  and  Confirmation. 

5.  Public  Confession,  a  service  of  preparation  for 
Communion. 


x  INTRODUCTION 

6.  Private  Confession  and  Absolution. 

7.  The  Communion  of  the  Sick. 

8.  The  Marriage  Service  and  the  Churching  of  Women. 

9.  The  Burial  Service. 

10.  The  Pontifical,  including  the  ordination  of  Bishops 
and  Priests,  the  consecration  of  churches,  and  the 
induction  of  Incumbents. 

From  the  earliest  days  the  Eucharist  was  the  chief 
service  of  the  Church,  and  the  occasional  offices  grew 
out  of  the  application  of  the  Eucharist  to  special  occasions 
in  a  Christian's  life  as  time  went  on.1  This  aspect  was 
preserved  in  the  first  English  Prayer  Book  (1549),  but 
has  been  somewhat  lost  sight  of  in  subsequent  revisions 
and  additions — especially  in  the  case  of  most  of  the  forms 
drawn  up  by  diocesan  Bishops  for  the  consecration  of 
churches  :  in  the  Swedish  Handbok  it  has  almost  entirely 
vanished,  for  even  the  Ordination  Services,  which  in  the 
present  English  Prayer  Book  are  inserted  in  the  Commu- 
nion Office,  have  lost  all  connexion  with  the  Eucharist, 
except  in  so  far  as  they  may  occasionally  follow  the 
ordinary  Communion  Service  of  the  da}-.  The  Marriage 
Service  alone  contemplates  a  celebration  of  the  Eucharist 
in  connexion  with  it,  though  it  leaves  the  matter  optional ; 
this,  however,  is  not  the  "nuptial  mass"  (brudmassa), 
concerning  which  something  is  said  later. 

With  regard  to  the  Eucharist  itself,  the  Swedish  Church 
has  treated  the  great  Christian  Service  in  a  somewhat 
different  fashion  from  that  in  which  it  has  been  treated 
in  England.  Theoretically  with  us  the  Eucharist  is 
still  the  chief  service  of  Sunday,  but  in  actual  practice 
it  can  hardly  be  said  to  be  so  as  yet,  except  in  certain 
churches,  though  extensive  attempts  are  being  made 

1  This,  of  course,  is  not  the  case  with  the  Sacrament  of 
Baptism. 


INTRODUCTION  xi 

in  that  direction.  In  Sweden  the  chief  Sunday  Service 
is  the  "  Hogmassogudstjanst "  (Divine  Service  of  High 
Mass),  which  may  or  may  not  include  a  celebration  of 
the  Holy  Communion  :  in  large  parishes  there  is  a  cele- 
bration in  connexion  with  the  service  usually  every 
other  Sunday,  though  in  small  country  districts  the 
celebration  only  takes  place  once  in  the  month,  or  per- 
haps less  frequently.1  But  even  when  there  is  no  actual 
celebration  of  the  Holy  Eucharist,  the  morning  service 
of  "  Hogmassa  "  (in  common  with  other  rites  which  owe 
their  origin  to  Luther)  consists  of  the  Missa  Catechu- 
menorum,  or  that  which  English  people  call  the  ante- 
Communion  Service;  so  that,  when  the  Swedes  go  to 
Church  on  the  Lord's  Day,  they  are  bound  to  hear  the 
Epistle  and  Gospel  of  the  day,  which  the  average 
Church-goer  in  England  still  seldom  hears. 

The  Church  of  Sweden  came  under  the  influence 
of  the  Lutheran  Reformation  in  the  sixteenth  century, 
but  Swedish  Churchmen  contend  that  it  was  able  to 
pour  the  new  wine  of  the  Reformation  into  the  old  bottles 
of  the  Church  without  damage  to  the  latter.2  In  spite 
then  of  the  fact  that  its  Eucharistic  doctrine  is  of  a 
Lutheran  type,  the  Church  has  not  suffered  the  greater 
part  of  its  people  to  live  entirely  apart  from  the  sacrament 
of  the  altar,  and,  although  the  worship  of  the  Presence 
of  Christ  in  the  Sacrament,  as  understood  by  English 

1  The  communions  that  are  made  in  Holy  Week  are  a  strong 
point  in  the  Swedish  Church  :  I  understand  that  at  Vexio  there 
are  often  300  communicants  each  day  in  Holy  Week  at  the  Eucharist, 
with  the  exception  of  the  Saturday,  when  there  is  no  communion. 
Evening  communions  are  occasionally  celebrated,  especially  on 
Maundy  Thursday. 

2  It  is  enough  here  to  refer  to  the  Bishop  of  Marquette's  chapters 
on  the  doctrinal  position  of  the  Swedish  Church  in  his  "  The 
Church  of  Sweden  and  the  Anglican  Communion,"  and  to  Bishop 
Wordsworth's  Hale  Lectures,  1910,  where  the  reader  will  find  an 
account  of  the  position  of  the  Swedish  Church  as  regards 
Lutheranism. 


xii  INTRODUCTION 

Churchmen ,  is  foreign  to  the  devotions  of  Swedish  Church- 
men, there  is  not  in  the  Swedish  Church  that  general 
exodus  which  takes  place  in  many  English  Churches  after 
the  Prayer  for  the  Church  Militant.  When  the  Eucharist 
is  celebrated,  the  whole  congregation  remain  to  the  end 
of  the  Service,  even  though  only  a  few  actually  communi- 
cate, and  all  unite  in  the  great  act  of  worship  in  the 
Sanctus,  and  invoke  the  mercy  of  the  Lamb  of  God  in 
the  Agnus  Dei.  The  Presence  of  Christ  is  as  real  to 
the  Swede  as  it  is  to  the  Englishman  when  he  worships 
at  the  Eucharist,  though  he  would  certainly  not  define 
that  Presence  in  the  manner  of  many  Anglicans. 

The  reports  of  the  condition  of  Church  life  in  Sweden 
contained  in  Bishop  Wordsworth's  Hale  Lectures 
(Lecture  VIII)  are  far  from  satisfactory  on  the  shewing 
of  the  Swedish  Bishops  themselves,  but  even  in  these 
reports  there  are  signs  of  better  times  ahead,  and  with 
the  strong  lead  of  the  young  Archbishop  (Dr.  Nathan 
Soderblom),  who  has  somewhat  recently  been  advanced 
to  the  Primacy,  the  Swedish  Church  ought  to  be  able 
to  use  the  excellent  machinery  that  she  has  at  hand 
with  great  effect  upon  the  spiritual  life  of  the  nation. 

It  remains  to  make  here  a  few  brief  comments  on 
some  points  involved  in  the  offices  of  the  Handbok. 


i.  The  Office  of  High  Mass  {Chapter  I) 

Tins  office,  which  is  the  lineal  descendant  of  the  ancient 
Latin  mass,  appears  in  two  forms,  one  in  which  the 
Holy  Communion  is  celebrated,  and  another  in  which 
it  is  not.  The  order  follows  the  medieval  rite  fairly 
closely,  and  some  noticeable  points  are  as  follows  : — 
(i)  the  retention  of  the  word  "  mass  "  in  the  official  title 


INTRODUCTION  xiii 

"  Hogmassogudstjanst."  It  will  be  noticed  that  it 
is  only  used  in  compound,  "  hogmassa "  to  describe 
the  chief  Sunday  service,  and  "  nattvardsmassa  "  (lit.  = 
supper- mass),  to  describe  the  Communion,  when  it  is 
celebrated  apart  from  High  Mass.  This  use  of  the 
word  "  mass,"  which  is  also  found  in  the  office  books  of 
certain  reformed  churches  in  Germany  in  the  eighteenth 
century,  and  is  in  use  at  the  present  time  in  the  churches 
of  Denmark  and  Norway,  marks  the  continuity  of  worship 
in  the  Church  of  Sweden,  and  as  such  is  a  useful  reminder 
to  Englishmen  that  the  word  is  not  necessarily  the 
exclusive  property  of  the  Roman  Church.  (2)  The 
consecration  of  the  elements  is  effected  by  the  words  of 
Institution  in  the  form  of  a  prayer,  giving  special  inten- 
tion to  the  Lord's  Prayer  which  follows  immediately. 
The  absence  of  a  definite  prayer  of  consecration  has 
given  rise  to  a  good  deal  of  criticism,  but  judged  by  the 
early  standards  of  the  Primitive  Church  the  Swedish 
form  appears  to  be  not  insufficient.  (3)  The  words  of 
Institution  are  linked  up  with  the  Preface,  while  the 
Sanctus  is  given  a  position  immediately  before  the 
administration  of  the  Sacrament,  in  accordance  with 
the  Lutheran  doctrine  that  the  Presence  of  Christ  at 
the  Sacrament  takes  effect  in  the  distribution  and 
reception  thereof. 

2.  The  Offices  of  Morning  and  Evening  Prayer 
(Chapter  1) 

Three  forms  of  Morning  and  Evening  Prayer  are 
provided,  one  for  Sundays  and  Festivals,  the  other  two 
for  weekdays  ;  the  following  tables  illustrate  the  structure 
of  the  several  forms,  the  variety  of  which  is  a  notable 
teature  of  the  Swedish  Prayer  Book. 


XIV 


INTRODUCTION 


Morning  Prayer. 


i.  Sundays  and 

Festivals. 

In  the  pulpit. 

2.  Weekdays. 

3.  Weekdays. 

In  the  pulpit. 

At  the  altar. 

a.  Hymn. 

b.  Grace. 

c.  Invitation, 

a.  Morning  Hymn. 

b.  Morning    Prayer 

de     festo,     or 

a.  Hymn. 

b.  Morning  Prayer. 

c.  N.  T.  Lection. 

one      of      the 

d.  General       Inter- 

Psalms      and 

General  Morn- 

cession         at 

Gloria. 

ing  Prayers. 
c.    Sermon. 

weekday    ser- 
vices. 

d.  N.T.  Lection. 

e.  Hymn. 

d.  General      Inter- 

e.  Lord's  Prayer. 

/.    Salutation. 

cession. 
e-   Lord's  Prayer. 
/.    The  Blessing. 
g.  Hymn. 

/.    The  Blessing. 
g.  Hymn. 

g.  Morning  Prayer. 
h.  Lord's  Prayer. 
i.    Benedicamus. 
j.    Benedictus      (in 

short  form). 
k.  The  Blessing. 
/.    Hymn. 

Evening  Prayer. 


1.  Sundays  and 

2.  Weekdays. 

3.  Weekdays. 

In  the  pulpit. 

In  the  pulpit. 

At  the  altar. 

a.  Hymn. 

a.  Hymn. 

a.  Hymn. 

b.   Sermon. 

b.   O.T.  Lection. 

b.  Grace. 

c.   Prayer. 

c.    General      Inter- 

c.  Invitation, 

d.  Valediction. 

cession          at 

Psalms       and 

At  the  altar. 

weekday    ser- 

Gloria. 

e.   Hymn. 

/.    Salutation. 

g.  Prayer. 

h.  Lord's  Prayer. 

i.    The  Blessing. 

j.    Hymn. 

vices. 

d.  O.T.  Lection. 

d.  Evening  Prayer. 

e.   Hymn. 

e.   Lord's  Prayer. 

/.    Salutation. 

/.    The  Blessing. 
g.  Hymn. 

g.  Evening  Prayer. 
h.  Lord's  Prayer. 
i.    Benedicamus. 

j.    Magnificat       (in 

short  form). 

k.  The  Blessing. 

/.    Hymn. 

N.B. — Instructions   on   the    Bible   are   usually   given   at   the 
weekday  offices. 


INTRODUCTION  xv 

The  most  noteworthy  feature  of  these  offices  *  is  the 
absence  of  any  confession  and  absolution,  such  as  we 
have  been  accustomed  to  since  1552  in  the  corresponding 
offices  of  the  English  Prayer  Book  :  they  are  reserved 
for  the  service  of  High  Mass  and  its  preliminary  service 
of  preparation.  In  the  third  form  of  morning  and  even- 
ing prayer,  the  selection  of  psalms  is  on  the  whole  good, 
and,  although  one  misses  the  beautiful  ninety-first  psalm 
among  those  appointed  for  the  evening,  one  is  glad  to 
find  that  the  Swedes  have  avoided  the  awkwardness 
in  the  English  Prayer  Book  of  introducing  a  psalm  for 
Compline  among  those  assigned  to  a  morning  service. 
The  shortening  of  the  Magnificat  is  due  to  a  desire  to 
remove  the  reference  to  "  the  Lord's  handmaiden," 
which,  it  may  be  contended,  is  unsuitable  to  a  service 
intended  for  a  mixed  congregation. 

3.  The  Litany  and  the  Occasional  Prayers 
{Chapters  II  and  III) 
The  prayers  are  given  in  two  forms,  the  latter  being 
a  reprint  of  the  forms  provided  in  a  previous  issue ;  few 
of  the  prayers  contained  therein  are  of  much  liturgical 
value,  and  all  of  them  might  be  considerably  improved 
by  a  process  of  simplification  and  condensation.  See 
further  note  on  p.  46. 

4.  The  Sacrament  of  Initiation  (Chapters  IV  and  V) 
The  offices  of  Baptism,  whether  public  or  private, 
resemble  to  some  extent  the  corresponding  offices  in 
the  English  Prayer  Book,  but  the  Confirmation  Service 
differs  considerably  from  that  to  which  we  are  accus- 
tomed.    In  the  first  place  the  ordinary  minister  of  the 

1  Swedish  Clergy  have  the  free  permission  to  vary  the  evening 
service  in  anv  way  that  they  like,  and  are  not  bound  to  follow  the 
forms  prescribed  :  there  is  a  very  excellent  office  of  "  Vespers  " 
in  use  in  Sweden,  which,  however,  is  not  included  in  the  Handbok, 


xvi  INTRODUCTION 

Sacrament  is  the  Priest 1  (authority  to  confirm  is  expressly 
given  in  the  "  prastbrev,"  which  every  Priest  receives 
at  his  ordination) ;  and  in  the  second  place  there  is 
no  laying -on  of  hands  prescribed  for  the  words,  "  The 
Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  .  .  .  ,"  in  which  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  conferred  upon  the  candidates, 
though  in  actual  practice  many  Priests  do  lay  hands 
upon  them  or  at  least  extend  their  hands  over  the  whole 
body  of  candidates.  The  reader  may  be  referred  to 
Bishop  Mott  Williams's  book  on  the  Church  of  Sweden, 
where  the  Bishop  urges  (Chapters  IX  and  X),  that, 
since  the  laying -on  of  hands,  though  disused  at  Confirma- 
tion, is  used  accompanied  by  the  Lord's  Prayer  at  every 
baptism,  whether  public,  private,  or  adult,  the  Catholic 
requirement  is  thus  fulfilled  :  in  primitive  times  Baptism 
and  Confirmation  were  the  two  parts  of  one  Sacrament, 
viz.  the  Sacrament  of  Initiation,  and,  looked  at  from  this 
point  of  view,  the  Swedish  forms,  taken  together,  would 
seem  to  be  adequate.  It  should  be  noticed,  however, 
that,  when  an  adult  is  baptized,  he  is  not  required  to 
undergo  Confirmation  before  receiving  the  Holy  Com- 
munion ;  which  seems  to  indicate  that  the  Swedes 
regard  the  laying -on  of  hands  in  Baptism  as  fulfilling 
the  Apostolic  practice.2 

5.  The  Occasional  Offices  (I),  (Chapters  VI  to  XI) 

The  occasional  offices  are  ten  in  number,  and  include 
a  short  office,  which  is  the  modern  survival  of  the 
medieval  auricular  confession,  entitled  "  Private  Con- 
fession and  Absolution."  It  takes  place  in  the  vestry 
(sakristia),  in  the  presence  of  two  or  three  members 
of  the  congregation  as  witnesses,  the  intention  evidently 

1  This  is  also  so  in  the  Russian  Church.  In  the  Norwegian 
Church  only  the  Probst  ( Rural  Dean)  confirms. 

2  The  question  whether  unction  is  also  a  requisite  cannot  here 
be  dealt  with. 


INTRODUCTION  xvii 

being  to  fulfil  the  Apostolic  injunction,  "  Confess  your 
faults  one  to  another,"  and  the  primitive  Church  custom 
of  open  confession  in  the  congregation.  The  marriage 
service  includes  what  is  called  the  nuptial  mass  (brud- 
massa),  but  this  is  simply  a  more  elaborate  form  of 
service  and  is  not  the  Eucharist.  The  Prayer  of  the 
Ring  ("  O  Almighty  God,  who  hast  instituted  Matrimony 
.  .  .  ")  is  a  happy  detail,  and  the  ceremony,  in  which 
the  bride  and  bridegroom  hold  the  ring  together,  is  not 
without  its  significance. 

6.  The  Occasional  Offices  {II),  Chapters  XII  to  XV) 

The  remainder  of  the  occasional  offices  constitute 
what  we  may  call  the  "  Pontifical,"  that  is,  they  are 
the  offices  usually  performed  by  the  Bishop.  They 
include  the  consecration  of  Bishops,  the  ordination  of 
Priests,  together  with  offices  for  the  consecration  of 
Churches  and  the  induction  of  Incumbents.  It  is  this 
section  of  the  official  Swedish  Prayer  Book  that  has 
raised  the  most  serious  controversy  upon  the  validity 
of  Swedish  Orders.1  Much  of  the  difficulty  seems  to 
have  arisen  from  a  misunderstanding  of  the  words 
"  inviga,"  "  installa,"  etc.,  which  are  used  to  describe 
the  acts  of  consecration  and  ordination.  A  foreigner 
who  examines  the  Handbok  for  the  first  time  is 
surprised  to  find  three  services  very  similar  in  structure, 
which  are  described  thus — 

i .  How  a  Bishop  shall  be  set  in  his  office. 

2.  Consecration  to  the  Priesthood. 

3.  How  an  Incumbent  shall  be  set  in  a  parish. 

1  The  reader  will  find  in  Bishop  Wordsworth's  Hale  Lectures, 
p.  354  and  following,  and  Bishop  Moil  Williams's  "  The  Church  oj 
Sweden  and  the  Anglican  Communion"  (especially  the  postscript 
to  the  latter),  some  account,  criticism,  and  defence  of  the  Swedish 
forms  of  Ordination, 
8 


xviii  INTRODUCTION 

He  at  once  concludes  that  the  Swedes  have  no  clear 
conception  of  the  meaning  of  Holy  Orders.  (Thus  Mr. 
Fallow,  in  translating  what  he  describes  as  "  The  Swedish 
Ordinal,"  includes  the  third  service,  which  strictly 
speaking,  does  not  belong  to  the  Ordinal  at  all.)  Again, 
when  he  is  informed  that  the  words  "  installa  "  (  =  instal) 
and  "  inviga  "  (=  consecrate),  which  are  used  to  describe 
each  and  all  of  these  three  services,  are  synonymous, 
he  is  thrown  back  upon  the  conviction  that  the  Swedes 
are  by  no  means  clear  in  their  own  minds  of  the  distinc- 
tion between  the  consecration  of  a  Bishop  and  the  induc- 
tion of  an  Incumbent  :  thus  Mr.  Fallow  writes  in  the 
Prefatory  Note  to  his  translation  of  the  Ordinal * — 

"  The  service  (i.  e.  '  How  a  Bishop  shall  be  set  in 
his  office')  is  the  exact  counterpart  of  one  provided 
for  the  Induction  of  Incumbents  into  their  respective 
cures.  This  latter  induction  service  is  described  as  an 
'  ordination'  in  the  first  rubric  of  the  office,  and,  as  will 
be  seen,  it  also  is  performed  by  the  laying -on  of  the 
Bishop's  hands  during  the  recital  of  the  Lord's  Prayer." 
We  contend,  however,  that  this  statement  by  itself 
is  not  sufficient  to  condemn  Swedish  Orders  :  an  examina- 
tion of  technical  terms  is  necessary  in  order  to  shew 
that  the  Swedes  have  a  real  appreciation  of  the  meaning 
of  Holy  Orders  as  distinct  from  a  merely  ecclesiastical 
call.  First  of  all  we  must  understand  that  the  words 
"installa"  and  "inviga"  are  interchangeable  terms, 
and  together  with  the  noun  "  invigning  "can  be  used 
in  reference  either  to  an  inauguration  or  consecration  in 
the  general  sense,  or  to  an  ordination  or  consecration 
to  the  ministry  in  a  special  sense ;  and  just  as  we  can 
use  the  word  "  consecration  "  both  of  a  Bishop  and  of  a 
cemetery,  <=o  the  Swedes  can  use  the  word  "invigning" 

1  The  Swedish  Ordinal :    Trans.  T.  M.  Fallow.     Simpkin,  Mar- 
shall &■  Co.,  London,  1879. 


INTRODUCTION  xix 

both  of  a  consecration  to  the  Episcopate,  and  of  an 
induction  to  a  cure  of  souls.  Then  we  must  under- 
stand that  whereas,  when  English  people  speak  of  "  being 
in  orders,"  the  words  always  convey  a  special  reference 
to  the  ministry,  when  Swedes  speak  of  "  being  in  orders  " 
they  are  careful  to  specify  the  ministry,  which  English 
men  only  imply.    Thus — 

To  take  orders    =  att  lata  Prastviga.  sig. 
To  be  in  orders   =  att  vara  Prastviga.. 
Ordination  =  Prdstvigmng. 

"  Att  lata  inviga  sig,"  or  "  att  vara  inviga,"  would 
not  necessarily  have  any  ministerial  signification  what- 
ever ;  the  expressions  might  equally  well  be  used  of  an 
altar  or  a  cemetery.  Therefore,  when  we  find  the  word 
"  invigning  "  used  in  the  service  for  the  induction  of  an 
Incumbent  it  need  occasion  us  no  more  surprise  than  we 
might  feel  when  we  find  the  word  "  consecration  "  used 
of  a  Bishop  and  a  church  indifferently.  And,  further, 
when  we  recognise  that  the  Swedes  throw  the  emphasis, 
not  on  the  words  "  inviga  "  or  "  installa,"  but  on  the 
accompanying  "  Prast  "  or  "  Biskop  "  (e.  g.  Prastvigning, 
Biskopsvigning),  we  shall  understand  that  the  Swedes 
have  a  real  appreciation  of  Bishops'  and  Priests'  Orders. 
If  we  need  other  proofs,  we  may  notice  that,  whereas 
the  Service  for  the  induction  of  an  Incumbent  is  repeated 
whenever  a  Priest  changes  his  benefice,  the  Service 
for  the  consecration  of  a  Bishop  is  not  repeated,  when  a 
Bishop  moves  to  another  diocese  :  again,  the  candidates 
for  the  Priesthood  are  described  in  the  first  rubric  of 
the  Ordination  Service  as  "  ordinandi,"  whereas  the 
candidate  for  an  incumbency  is  spoken  of  as  "  intro- 
ducendus,"  and  while  the  former  are  presented  in 
albs  only,  the  latter  is  presented  in  his  chasuble,  the 
official  priestly  robe  which  he  received  as  part  of  the 


xx  INTRODUCTION 

ceremonies  at  his  ordination  :  also,  the  Induction  Ser- 
vice, although  it  is  almost  exactly  similar  to  the  Service 
of  Consecration  to  the  Priesthood,  would  in  no  circum- 
stances be  regarded  as  sufficient  for,  or  equivalent  to, 
the  Ordination  of  a  Priest :  and  finally,  the  introductory 
rubrics  in  the  offices  concerned  make  it  quite  clear  that, 
whereas  any  one  in  Holy  Orders  may  represent  the 
Bishop  at  the  consecration  of  a  Church  or  the  induction 
of  an  Incumbent,  none  but  a  Bishop  may  perform  the 
rite  of  consecrating  to  the  ministerial  Orders. 

Other  Characteristics 

The  Prayer  Book  of  the  Church  of  Sweden  is  marked 
by  two  other  characteristics,  which  are  worthy  of  our 
appreciation.  In  the  first  place  the  selection  of  short 
lections  from  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  in  such 
offices  as  the  Burial  of  the  Dead  and  the  Consecration 
of  Bishops  is  admirably  drawn  up,  and  it  is  a  unique 
and  touching  ceremony  in  the  Ordination  Services  of 
Sweden  to  hear  ten  or  a  dozen  extracts  from  the  Bible 
bearing  upon  the  ministerial  office  read  aloud  by  the 
same  number  of  assistant  Priests,  each  taking  one  selec- 
tion. In  the  second  place  the  use  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 
with  special  intention  as  the  climax  of  a  Service  is  seen 
in  the  Office  of  High  Mass,  where  it  is  part  of  the  con- 
secration of  the  Sacrament,  in  the  Baptism  Service, 
where  it  is  accompanied  by  the  laying-on  of  hands,  in 
the  Ordination  Services,  where  it  is  accompanied  by  the 
laying-on  of  hands,  etc.  This  use  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 
with  special  intention  is  in  keeping  with  Catholic  usage,1 
and  is  one  of  which  the  Church  of  Sweden  may  well  be 
proud,  seeing  that  the  Lord's  own  Prayer  is  thus  honoured 
with  a  central  position  in  most,  if  not  all,  of  her  rites. 

E.  E.  Y. 

1  A  similar  but  not  identical  prominence  is  given  to  the  Lord's 
Prayer  in  the  English  Prayer  Book. 


PREFACE 

We,  Gustaf,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  King  of  Sweden, 
Gothland,  and  Wend,  make  known  :  That  whereas 
the  synod  of  the  years  1908  and  1909  petitioned  for 
certain  alterations  in  the  church  manual  ratified  in  the 
year  1894,  a  rough  draft  was  prepared  by  their  gracious 
command  :  concerning  which  all  the  ecclesiastical  con- 
sistories were  consulted ;  and  thereafter  the  synod  of 
the  year  1915  approved,  with  certain  alterations  and 
additions,  the  draft  for  the  revision  of  the  church  manual, 
submitted  to  the  synod.  The  alterations  and  additions 
desired  by  the  synod  have  now  been  incorporated  in 
this  draft. 

Since  the  manual  thus  revised  is  now  being  issued 
from  the  press,  it  is  thereby  our  gracious  will,  with  due 
alterations  of  former  injunctions  to  the  contrary,  to 
ratify  this  church  manual,  to  serve  as  the  use  in  public 
worship  and  other  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  Church, 
on  and  after  Advent  Sunday  next,  which  falls  on  the 
second  day  of  December,  1917. 

It  is  the  business  of  the  archbishop,  the  bishops,  the 
cathedral  chapters  and  others  concerned,  diligently 
to  supervise  the  execution  of  this  our  gracious  command. 

It  is  the  duty  of  all  whom  it  may  concern  obediently 
to  conform  themselves  thereto.  In  faith  whereof  we 
have  signed  this  with  our  own  hand  and  caused  our  royal 
seal  to  be  affixed  to  the  same. 

Gustaf. 

(L.S.) 
Alexis  Hammarstrom. 

Stockholm  Castle, 

The  2nd  day  of  October,  igif. 


CONTENTS 


PUBLIC    SERVICE 

(A)  Sundays  and  Festivals  : 

i.  Mattins 

2.  Service  of  High  Mass 

3.  Evensong     . 

(B)  Weekday  Services  : 

1.  Weekday  Sermons 

2.  Morning  Prayer,  I 

3.  Evening  Prayer,  I 

4.  Morning  Prayer,  II 

5.  Evening  Prayer,  II 

(C)  Law-court  Services  . 


36 

38 
39 
40 
40 
42 

44 


II.      PRAYERS 

The  Litany            ......  46 

Prayers  for  Festivals     .....  52 

Prayers  for  the  Rogation  Days       ...  56 

A  General  Prayer  at  the  Weekday  Services  58 
Prayers  upon  Special  Occasions      .          .          .58 

III.   PRAYERS  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH  THE  PRAYER 

BOOK  BEFORE  1894 67 


IV.   BAPTISM 

1.  Infant  Baptism         .....       86 

2.  Emergency  Baptism  and  its  ratification       .       92 

3.  Baptism    of   an    adult    born    of   Christian 

parents         ......       95 

4.  Baptism    of     jews,     Mohammedans,     and 

Heathen       ......       98 


xxiv  CONTENTS 

CHAK  PAGE 

V.      THE   CONFIRMATION   AND    FIRST   COMMUNION 

OF   THE    YOUNG ■  IO4 

VI.      PUBLIC   CONFESSION  ....  I0g 

VII.      PRIVATE   CONFESSION   AND   ABSOLUTION  .  112 

VIII.      THE   COMMUNION    OF   THE    SICK  .  .  Il6 

IX.      THE    SOLEMNISATION    OF    MATRIMONY.  .  120 

BLESSING  UPON  A  MARRIAGE  CONTRACTED 

BEFORE    THE   CIVIL   AUTHORITY  .  1 27 

X.      THE   CHURCHING   OF   WOMEN         .  .  .  130 

XI.      THE    BURIAL    SERVICE  ....  133 

XII.      THE     CONSECRATION     OF     A     NEW     CHURCH, 

ETC 138 

XIII.  HOW  A  BISHOP  SHALL  BE  SET  IN  HIS  OFFICE  I43 

XIV.  THE  CONSECRATION   TO  THE  PRIESTHOOD      .  I49 

XV.      HOW    AN    INCUMBENT    SHALL    BE    SET    IN    A 

PARISH  ......  155 


THE  SWEDISH  RITE 

CHAPTER   I 

PUBLIC   SERVICE   ON   SUNDAYS   AND   FESTIVALS 


I.— MATT1NS1 

commences  with  a  morning  hymn,  or  else  {especially  on 
Festivals)  with  some  other  suitable  hymn. 

Then  the  priest  says  as  an  introduction  to  the  sermon 


1  [Neither  Otte  Sang  (Mattins)  nor  Afton  Sang  (Evensong)  in 
the  Swedish  Church  are  mentioned  before  the  law  of  1686, 
according  to  which  the  Services  of  1693  were  framed.  The 
reading  and  preaching  were  always  in  Swedish,  but  Latin  hymns, 
such  as  the  Te  Deum,  Benedictus,  and  Benedicamus,  were  per- 
mitted, though  they  too  were  frequently  sung  in  Swedish.  The 
choice  of  passages  of  Scripture  for  reading  was  left  to  the  dis- 
cretion of  the  Priest.  The  freedom  exercised  in  the  arrangement 
of  the  Services  (which  is  a  special  characteristic  of  many  of  the 
Swedish  Services)  is  well  illustrated  by  the  account  given  in 
S.  Baiter's  book  of  church  ceremonies.  He  is  careful  to  note 
that  the  early  Service  is  to  be  finished  by  8  a.m.  and  in  the 
country  by  9  a.m. 

Otte  Sang   (Early  Mattins) 


1838. 

Psalm. 

We  praise  thee,  O  God. 

A  verse  invoking  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

Sermon. 

Prayers  and  Our  Father. 

A  part  of  the  Catechism  (with 
prayers  to  last  about  half 
an  hour) . 

Blessing  (unless  Holy  Com- 
munion follows) . 


Stockholm. 
Confession  and  Kyrie 
Collect  and  Epistle. 
Gradual  and  Gospel. 

Nicene  Creed. 

A  Verse  and  Sermon. 

Prayers   and    Blessing   (unless 

Holy  Communion  follows). 


2  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

during  the  festival  seasons  in  the  Church  year  the  morning 
-prayer  belonging  to  the  particular  festival,  or  else  the 
morning  prayer  "  I  thank  thee,  0  God  "  ;  on  certain  Sun- 
days and  Holy  Days  one  of  the  General  morning  prayers  (A) . 

Here  follows  the  sermon,  on  rogation  days  upon  the 
prescribed  texts,  on  festivals  upon  some  suitable  text  chosen 
for  the  occasion,  and  on  ordinary  Sundays  upon  some 
part  of  the  catechism  taken  consecutively  or  else  upon  a 
set  series  of  selected  texts. 

At  the  end  of  the  sermon  the  Common  prayer  for 
Mattins  (C)  is  read. 

Finally  the  Our  Father,  and  the  blessing  arc  said  ;  and 
Divine  Service  concludes  with  a  short  hymn. 

PRAYERS   AT  THE  SERVICE   OF  MATTINS 

A. — General  Morning  Prayers 

i.  I  thank  thee,  0  God,  dear  heavenly  Father,  through 
Jesus  Christ  thy  beloved  Son,  that  thou  hast  this  night 
kept  me  from  all  harm  and  danger,  and  I  pray  thee  that 
thou  forgive  me  all  my  sins  and  graciously  preserve  me 

Country  Parts  (after  the  first  ring). 
Psalm. 

Morning  Prayers. 

Catechism  (to  last  a  quarter  of  an  hour). 
Prayers. 

Examination  in  a  definite  district  according  to  notice  a  week 
before. 

So  far  as  is  known,  this  custom  has  died  out,  except  in  parts 
of  the  Diocese  of  Vasteras,  from  Easter  to  Whitsun  :  and  from 
September  i  to  the  Fourth  Rogation  Day.  Ottesang  is  com- 
pulsory on  the  following  days  :  Advent  Sunday,  Christmas, 
New  Year,  the  Four  Rogation  Days.  Good  Friday,  Easter,  and 
Whitsunday.  In  connection  with  weekday  services  an  order 
was  made  in  1573  for  the  Litany  to  be  used  in  large  towns  and 
in  country  places.  Similarly  in  1602,  this  Litany  was  to  be 
preceded  in  Court  Chapels  by  Psalms,  and  followed  by  Prayers 
for  the  King  and  for  Peace. — J.  H.  S.j 


PUBLIC   SERVICE  3 

■ 
this  day  from  sin,  harm  and  every  ill,  that  my  life  and 

all  my  deeds  may  be  pleasing  to  thee.     I  commend 

myself,  my  body  and  soul  into  thy  hands.     May  thy 

fatherly  care  be  my  protection.     Amen. 

2.  O  Lord  God,  heavenly  Father,  we  thank  thee  with 

all  our  heart,  that  thou  hast  brought  us  to  the  beginning 

of  this  day,  on  which  we  shall  hear  thy  holy  gospel. 

We  pray  thee  that  thou  wilt  graciously  preserve  among 

us  the  light  of  thy  truth,  and  so  direct  and  rule  our  hearts 

by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  never  more  turn  away 

from  it,  but  remain  stedfast  therein,  and  thus  finally 

attain    salvation,    through    Jesus    Christ   thy   Son   our 

Lord,  who  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Spirit  liveth  and 

reigneth  for  ever.     Amen. 

B. — Morning  Prayers  for  the  Festal  Seasons  of 
the  Church  Year 

1.  Advent 

(To  be  used  on  the  Sundays  in  Advent) 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  we  thank  thee  that 
thou  hast  suffered  us  to  come  to  this  day  of  grace, 
which  thou  hast  given  us  for  the  repose  of  body  and  soul. 
Bless  the  word,  which  we  shall  receive  this  day,  that  we 
may  grow  in  spiritual  wisdom  and  knowledge.  Thou 
hast  sent  us  thy  only  begotten  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  and 
through  him  hast  founded  an  everlasting  kingdom. 
Grant  us  grace,  heavenly  Father,  that  we  may  at  all 
times  find  true  comfort  in  his  coming  in  the  flesh,  and 
put  our  trust  in  the  stedfast  and  precious  word  that  he 
hath  come  into  the  world  to  save  sinners.  Suffer  us 
at  all  times  to  keep  thy  word  and  holy  sacraments,  that 
thy  kingdom  may  be  established  more  and  more,  and 
grow  among  us,  and  that  we  may  fearlessly  await  the 
glorious  coming  of  thy  Son.     Amen. 


4  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

2.  Christmastide 
(To  be  used  at  the  Christmas  Festival  and  until  the  end  of 
the  year) 
Heavenly  Father,  thou  hast  through  the  past  night 
held  the  protecting  hand  over  us  that  we  have  again 
come  to  a  day  of  grace  and  happiness.  Praised  be  thy 
holy  name.  But  above  all  things  we  give  thanks  and 
praise  to  thee,  for  that  thou  hast  suffered  thine  only 
begotten  Son  to  become  man  for  our  salvation.  We 
pray  thee,  merciful  Father,  that  thou  wilt  keep  us  by 
thy  Spirit  in  a  living  knowledge  of  our  Saviour,  that  we 
may  ever  be  heartily  comforted  by  his  holy  incarnation, 
and  serve  thee  as  thy  children,  till  finally  with  all  angels 
and  elect  we  may  praise  thee  for  evermore,  through  thy 
Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

3.  New  Year 
{To  be  used  on  New  Year's  Day  and  on  the  Sunday  next 
after  the  New  Year) 
Heavenly  Father,  we  give  thee  praise  and  thanks, 
that  thou  hast  suffered  us  to  behold  this  new  day,  and 
this  new  year,  which  thou  in  thy  longsuffering  hast 
given  us.  Praised  be  thy  holy  name  for  all  the  blessing 
that  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us  in  the  past.  Let  thy 
mercy  henceforth  be  mightily  upon  us,  that  this  new 
year  may  bring  us  grace  and  peace.  Grant  us  by  thy 
Holy  Spirit  to  pass  our  time  in  communion  with  thee, 
till  we  come  to  the  city  which  thou  thyself  hast  founded, 
there  to  behold  thy  glory  and  praise  thee  for  evermore. 

Amen. 

4.  Twelfthtidc  1 
Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  Father  of  light,  from 
whom  cometh  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  we  give  thanks 

1  [This  name  for  the  Epiphany  season  will  not  escape  notice, 
Twelfth  Day  having  been  at  one  time  a  common  name  in  England 
for  January  6. — Ed.)] 


PUBLIC  SERVICE  5 

and  praise  to  thee  for  this  new  day  of  grace.  We  thank 
thee  that  thou  hast  sent  thine  only  begotten  Son  into 
the  world  to  be  the  light  of  our  life  for  the  salvation 
of  all  mankind,  and  that  thou  through  thy  gospel  hast 
also  called  us  out  of  darkness  into  thy  wondrous  light. 
Grant,  we  pray  thee,  that  the  word  of  truth  may  ever 
dwell  among  us,  and  send  it  likewise  to  the  peoples 
which  yet  sit  in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death. 
Grant  that  the  clear  light  of  thy  gospel  may  shine  into 
our  hearts,  and  that  the  saving  knowledge  of  thee  may 
be  confirmed  and  increased  in  us  to  the  salvation  of  our 
souls  and  the  praise  of  thy  holy  name.     Amen. 

5.  Lent 

O  Lord  Jesus,  our  great  High  Priest,  it  is  through 
thine  intercession  that  we  behold  another  day  in  health 
and  strength,  which  through  thy  holy  passion  and  death 
hath  become  unto  us  a  day  of  grace  and  salvation.  We 
praise  thee,  Son  of  God,  who  hast  carried  our  sins,  and 
we  beseech  Thee,  give  us  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit 
rightly  to  consider  the  costly  price  of  our  redemption. 
Grant,  Lord,  that  the  story  of  the  cross  may  show  itself 
anew  to  be  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,  that 
through  it  we  may  be  awakened  to  a  penitent  faith, 
a  living  hope,  stedfast  patience  and  true  love  toward 
thee  and  toward  our  neighbour.  Grant  us  thy  help 
thereto,  Lord  Jesus,  for  thy  love's  sake.     Amen. 

6.  Eastertide 

{To  be  used  at  the  Holy  days  of  Easter  and  on  the  first 
Sunday  after  Easter) 

Almighty  God  and  Father,  through  thy  great  care  we 
have  this  day  been  suffered  to  awake  in  peace  and  come 
to  thy  sanctuary.  We  thank  thee  for  the  word  of  life 
telling  us  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Saviour,  whom  thou  hast 


6  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

brought  again  from  the  dead  and  thereby  shown  forth 
in  power  as  the  Lord  and  the  vanquisher  of  death. 
Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  at  this  time  that  the  glad  Easter 
tidings  may  be  abundantly  blessed  in  our  hearts,  and 
awaken  us  by  the  power  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  we  may 
arise  from  the  death  of  sin  and  walk  in  newness  of  life, 
to  the  end  that  we  may  finally  be  raised  in  glory,  and  be 
partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  salvation,  to  our  eternal 
and  ineffable  joy.     Amen. 

7.  Ascension  Day 
O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  only  Saviour  of  mankind, 
we  come  before  thee  this  morning  with  praise  and  thanks- 
giving for  that  thou  hast  suffered  us  to  behold  the  day 
which  we  keep  in  remembrance  of  thy  return  into  glory, 
when  thou  didst  sit  down  on  the  right  side  of  the  Father 
on  high.  We  rejoice  over  thy  victory,  and  beseech 
thee  to  grant  us  grace  so  to  turn  from  the  spirit  of  the 
world,  esteeming  all  earthly  things  as  vain  in  com- 
parison with  thy  heavenly  riches,  that  we  may  heartily 
long  after  thee  and  the  appearing  of  thy  kingdom. 
Abide  in  our  midst,  as  Thou  hast  promised,  now  and  for 
evermore,  and  pour  out  upon  us  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
we  may  ever  walk  in  a  heavenly  frame  and  finally  come 
to  thee  in  thy  everlasting  kingdom.     Amen. 

8.  Whitsuntide 

(To  be  used  at  the  Holy  days  of  Whitsuntide  and  on  Holy 
Trinity  Sunday) 
Almighty  ever  faithful  God  and  Father,  who  hast 
suffered  us  to  rest  in  safety  under  thy  protection  during 
the  past  night,  and  vouchsafed  us  to  enter  betimes  into 
thy  house,  where  we  may  hearken  to  the  tidings  of  the 
great  things  thou  hast  done  with  us;  we  laud  and 
magnify  thee  that  thou  through  thy  Son  our  Lord  Jesus 


PUBLIC  SERVICE  7 

Christ  hast  built  for  thyself  a  church  upon  earth.  We 
beseech  thee  that  thou  wilt  after  thy  promise  pour  out 
thy  Holy  Spirit  abundantly  upon  us  that  he  may  lead 
us  into  all  truth,  kindle  and  stablish  in  us  the  saving 
faith  and  renew  our  hearts  in  holy  obedience,  and  the 
hope  of  everlasting  life,  that  we,  sealed  by  the  Spirit 
unto  the  day  of  redemption,  may  attain  the  goal  of  our 
faith,  the  salvation  of  our  souls.     Amen. 

C. — Common  Prayer  at  Mattins 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  we  thank  thee  that 
thou  hast  instructed  and  exhorted  us  with  the  comfort 
of  thy  word.  We  beseech  thee,  look  mercifully  upon  us 
for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  and  grant  us  such  things  as  are 
profitable  for  soul  and  body.  Bless  thy  church,  fill  it 
with  the  Spirit  of  truth  and  love,  and  grant  that  thy 
word  and  holy  sacraments  may  abundantly  dwell 
among  us,  and  bear  much  fruit  to  the  glory  of  thy  name. 
Take  away  all  false  doctrine  and  the  manifold  trials  that 
beset  us.  Help  and  guide  all  thy  children  and  strengthen 
them  to  do  thy  work  faithfully  and  patiently.  Spread 
abroad  thy  kingdom  more  and  more,  that  the  light  of 
thy  gospel  may  reach  unto  all  the  peoples  of  the  earth. 

Bless  and  preserve,  O  God,  our  beloved  king  and  his 
whole  household,  and  grant  us  to  dwell  peacefully  under 
the  protection  of  good  law  and  order.  Vouchsafe  to 
guide  and  bless  all  right  undertakings,  and  let  us  not 
be  without  our  daily  bread.  Visit  and  relieve  with 
thy  comfort  all  sick  persons,  all  who  are  in  distress,  and 
all  who  are  dying,  and  hear  their  prayers.  Give  grace 
to  parents  and  guardians  to  bring  up  their  children  and 
young  people  in  the  true  fear  of  thee,  that  there  may 
grow  up  in  our  midst  a  generation  that  serveth  thee  with 
an  obedient  heart.  Grant  us  finally  a  blessed  departure 
and  in  thy  presence  joy  for  evermore.     Amen. 


THE   SWEDISH    RITE 


II.— THE   SERVICE   OF  HIGH  MASS 

After  an  organ  prelude,  during  which  the  priest  proceeds 
to  the  altar1  the  congregation  sing,  according  to  the  nature 
of  the  particular  Sunday  or  Festival  and  its  place  in  the 
ecclesiastical  year,  a  suitable  hymn  or  verse  out  of  the 

hymn-book,  as  for  example  :— 

On  the  Sundays  in  Advent  .  ■       .  .        53.  I. 

During  (  hristmas  and  until  the  old  of  the 

year  .         .  .  .  .  .  .       69.  2. 

A  t  the  New  Year     . 
At  Twelfthtide 
During  Lent  . 
At  Eastertide  up  to  and 

Sundays  after  Easier 
Ascension  Day 
At  Whitsuntide 
Holy  Trinity  Sunday 

1.  Rogation  Day  (The  Day  of  Penance) 

2.  Rogation  Day  (The  Festival  of  the  Refor- 

mation)   ...... 

3.  Rogation  Day  (The  Missionary  Festival) 

4.  Rogation  Day  (The  Day  of  Praise  and 

Thanksgiving   .  .  .  .  .       16.  I. 


including  the  six 


66. 

1. 

50. 

1. 

46. 

6. 

102. 

1. 

ii5- 

1. 

46. 

7- 

23- 

3S4. 

1. 

121. 

5- 

118. 

1. 

After    the    singing,    when    circumstances    permit,    the 
following  may  be  used  : 

On  the  First  Sunday  in  A  droit 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

Behold,    thy    king    cometh    unto     thee,    righteous, 
victorious. 


1   Where  there  is  no  organ,  the  priest  proceeds  to  the  altar  when 
the  tolling  of  the  bells  ceases. 


PUBLIC  SERVICE  0 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
Hosanna  in  the  height  ! 

The  priest : 

Prepare  ye  a  way  for  the  Lord,  a  high  way  for  our  God. 

The  congregation  : 

For  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be  revealed.  Thus 
hath  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  spoken. 

The  priest  : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

The  congregation : 

As  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.1 

On  Christmas  Day 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

Behold,  I  bring  you  tidings  of  great  joy.     II alleluia  ! 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Which  shall  be  to  all  people,     llalleluia  ! 

The  priest : 

For  unto  you  is  born  a  saviour.     llalleluia  ! 

The  congregation  : 

He  is  Christ  the  Lord.     Halleluia  ! 

The  priest : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

The  congregation  : 

As  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.2 

»  See  p.  14.  %  Seep.  14. 

C 


io  THE    SWEDISH   RITE 

On  Easier  Day 

'J' he  priest  says  or  sings  : 

The  Lord  is  risen.     Halleluia  I 

The  congregation  sings  : 

He  is  verily  risen.     Halleluia  ! 

The  priest : 

Christ  hath  brought  the  power  of  death  to  nought. 
Halleluia  ! 

The  congregation  : 

And  brought  life  and  eternity  forth  into  the  light. 
Halleluia  ! 

The  priest  : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

The  congregation  : 

As  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.1 

On  Ascension  Day 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

Christ  hath  gone  up  to  his  father  and  our  father,  to 
his  God  and  our  God. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

His  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  his 
dominion  hath  no  end. 

The  priest : 

We  have  our  fellow-citizenship  in  heaven  and  thence 
await  the  Lord  the  Saviour. 

The  congregation  : 

He  shall  deliver  us  from  all  unrighteousness  and 
redeem  us  unto  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

1  See  p.  14. 


PUBLIC  SERVICE  n 

The  -priest : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the  1  loly 
Spirit. 

The  congregation  : 

As  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.1 

On  Whitsunday 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

The  Lord  shall  pour  out  water  upon  the  thirsty  and 
streams  upon  the  dry.     Halleluia  ! 

The  congregation  sings : 

He  shall  pour  out  his  Spirit  upon  all  flesh.     Halleluia  ! 

The  priest  : 

Ye  shall  draw  up  water  with  joy  from  the  well  springs 
of  salvation. 

The  congregation  : 

I  will  receive  the  cup  of  salvation  and  call  upon  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

The  priest : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

The  congregation : 

As  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.2 

On  Trinity  Sunday 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

Holy,  holy,  holy  is  the  Lord  of  Sabaoth  ! 

1  See  p.  14.  2  See  p.  14. 


12  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

The  congregation  sings  : 

The  whole  earth  is  full  of  his  glory. 

The  priest : 

From  him  and  through  him  and  unto  him  are  all  things. 
Halleluia! 

The  congregation  : 

To  him  be  glory  for  ever.     Halleluia  ! 

The  priest : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

The  congregation : 

As  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.1 

On  the  First  Rogation  Day.     (The  Day  of  Penance.) 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

Lord,  if  thou  wilt  reckon  misdeeds,  who  may  abide  it  ? 
The  congregation  sings  : 

Nevertheless,  with  thee  is  sure  forgiveness,  that  man 
may  fear  thee. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.2 

On  the  Second  Rogation  Day.     (The  Festival  of  the 
Reformation.) 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

God  is  our  refuge  and  strength.     Halleluia  ! 

The  congregation  sings  : 

A  help  in  the  times  of  need,  well  proven.     Halleluia ! 

The  priest : 

Thy  word,  Lord,  standeth  fast  for  ever  in  heaven. 

1  See  ^.14.  *  Sec  p.  14. 


PUBLIC   SERVICE  13 

The  congregation  : 

From  generation  to  generation  is  thy  faithfulness. 

The  priest : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

The  congregation  : 

As  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.1 

On  the  Third  Rogation  Day.     {The  Missionary  Festival.) 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

Tell  ye  out  among  the  heathen  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

His  wonders  among  all  people. 

The  priest  : 

The  Lord  is  king.     Therefore  let  the  earth  rejoice. 

The  congregation  : 

Let  the  isles  be  joyful,  as  many  as  they  are. 

The  priest: 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

The  congregation : 

As  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.2 

On  the  Fourth  Rogation  Day.     {The  Thanksgiving  Day.) 
The  priest  says  or  sings  : 
It  is  good  to  give  thanks  to  the  Lord. 
The  congregation  sings  : 

And  to  sing  praises  to  thy  name,  thou  the  highest. 
The  priest : 

Thank  ye  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good.     Halleluia  ! 
1  See  p.  14.  2  See  p.  14. 


i4  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

The  congregation  : 

For  his  grace  is  for  ever.     Hallcluia  ! 

The  priest : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

The  congregation  : 

As  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.1 

Or  else,  and  upon  the  remaining  Sundays  and  holy 
days  after  the  singing  the  priest  says  or  sings,  turning  to 
the  congregation  : 

Holy,   holy,   holy   is   the   Lord   of   Sabaoth  ! 
The  whole  earth  is  full  of  his  glory. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says  :  2 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  his  throne  is  in  heaven ; 
yet  is  near  to  them  that  are  of  an  humble  and  contrite 
spirit.  He  heareth  the  sighing  of  the  penitent  and 
hearkeneth  unto  their  prayer.  Let  us  therefore  draw 
near  trustfully  to  his  throne  of  grace  and  confess  our 
sin  and  debt : 

{Here  the  priest  kneels  together  with  the  congregation  and 
prays) 

I,  poor  sinful  man,  who  was  born  in  sin  and  ever 
afterwards  have  offended  against  thee  in  manifold  ways 
all  the  days  of  my  life,  heartily  confess  before  thee,  O 
holy  and  righteous  God,  Father  of  Love,  that  I  have 
not  loved  thee  above  all  else,   nor  my   neighbour  as 

1  See  below. 

2  When  an  introit-antiphon  is  used,  the  priest,  instead  of  saying 
before  the  Confession  :  The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  etc.,  may  say  : 
Let  us  now  confess  our  sin  and  debt  before  the  Lord  our  God. 


PUBLIC   SERVICE  15 

myself.  Against  thee  and  thy  holy  commandments 
have  I  sinned  in  thoughts,  words,  and  deeds,  and  know 
that  I  am  therefore  worthy  of  everlasting  damnation, 
if  thou  shouldst  judge  me,  as  thy  justice  requires  and 
my  sins  have  deserved.  But  now  hast  thou  promised, 
dear  heavenly  Father,  to  embrace  with  gentleness  and 
mercy  all  penitent  sinners,  who  turn  toward  thee  and 
with  a  lively  faith  seek  refuge  in  thy  fatherly  kindness 
and  the  merits  of  the  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.  For  unto 
such  wilt  thou  grant  remission  of  all  their  sins  against 
thee,  nor  wilt  thou  at  any  time  impute  unto  them  their 
transgressions.  In  this,  I,  miserable  sinner,  put  my 
faith,  and  pray  thee  trustfully  that  thou  wilt  after  thy 
same  promise  vouchsafe  to  be  merciful  and  gracious  to 
me,  and  forgive  me  all  my  sins,  to  the  praise  and  honour 
of  thy  holy  name. 

May  the  almighty  eternal  God  after  his  great  and 
unfathomable  mercy  forgive  us  all  our  sins  for  Jesus 
Christ  our  Saviour's  sake,  and  give  us  grace  to  amend 
our  ways  and  with  him  attain  everlasting  life.     Amen. 

When  a  service  of  preparation  for  communion  with  this 
confession  of  sin  "  I,  poor,  sinful  ..."  etc.,  immediately 
precedes  the  service  of  High  Mass,  the  following  form  of 
confession  may  be  used  at  the  High  Mass  : 

Oh,  merciful  God,  Father  of  infinite  goodness,  whose 
mercy  endureth  from  generation  to  generation,  thou  art 
patient,  longsuffering  and  forgivest  all  who  are  penitent 
their  sins  and  misdeeds.  Look  mercifully  upon  thy 
people  and  hear  thy  children's  sighing.  We  have  sinned  : 
we  have  dealt  wickedly  and  so  made  ourselves  unworthy 
of  thy  goodness,  and  love ;  against  thee  have  we  sinned 
and  done  amiss  before  thee  :  but  remember  not  our 
transgressions.  Have  mercy  on  us ;  help  us,  O  God, 
our  Saviour,  for  thy  Name's  sake.  Save  us  and  forgive 
us  all  our  sins  and  give  us  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit 


i6  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

to  amend  our  sinful  lives  and  with  thee  attain  ever- 
lasting life,  through  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

The  priest  stands  up,  and  the  congregation  sings  : 

Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Christ,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

The  priest  lions  to  the  congregation  and  says  or  sings  : 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high  and  on  earth  pea<  i  , 
goodwill  towards  men. 

The  priest  turns  to  the  altar,  and  the  congregation  stands 
up  and  sings,  except  -upon  the  undernamed  holy  days,  the 
first  verse  of  the  hymn,  "  Allena  Cad  i  himmelrik,"  etc. 

On  Christmas  Day,  Twclfthday,  Easterday  and  Whit- 
sunday and  on  the  yearly  reformation,  missionary,  and 
thanksgiving  days,  as  well  as  upon  Advent  Sunday,  New 
Year's  Day,  Ascension  Day,  Holy  Trinity  Sunday,  and 
upon  the  festival  special  to  a  particular  church,  the  con- 
gregation sings  : 

We  praise  thee ;  we  worship  thee  ;  we  give  thanks  to 
thee  for  thy  great  wonders,  O  Lord  God,  heavenly  King, 
God  the  Father  Almighty  !  O  Lord,  the  only  begotten 
Son  of  the  all  highest,  Jesus  Christ.  O  Holy  Spirit, 
Spirit  of  grace,  truth,  and  peace.    Amen.    Amen.    Amen. 

Where  this  hymn  of  praise  cannot  be  worthily  rendered 
by  those  present,  Hymn  24.  1,  may  be  sung  instead  on  the 
above-named  festivals. 

The  priest  {facing  the  congregation,  which  sits  down) 
says  or  sings  : 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

So  may  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

The  priest : 

Let  us  pray. 


PUBLIC  SERVICE  17 

The  priest  /urns  to  the  altar  and  reads  on  Sundays  and 
festivals  the  prober  collect.  On  the  four  annual  rogation 
days  the  following  collects  are  used. 

The  First  Rogation  Day.     (The  Day  of  Penance.) 

O  Lord  God,  heavenly  Father,  thou,  who  desirest  not 
the  death  of  sinners,  but  rather  that  they  may  be  con- 
verted and  live ;  we  pray  thee,  that  thou  wonkiest  merci- 
fully turn  away  from  us  the  punishment  that  our  sins 
deserve,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  our  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen. 

Or: 

We  beseech  thee,  almighty  God,  heavenly  Father,  to 
grant  us  a  true  faith,  a  firm  hope  in  thy  mercy,  and  an 
honest  love  of  our  neighbour,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen. 

The  Second  Rogation  Day.     (The  Festival  of  the 
Reformation.) 

O  Lord  God,  heavenly  Father,  who  through  thy  gospel 
hast  given  unto  us  knowledge  of  salvation  unto  the 
remission  of  our  sins;  we  pray  thee,  keep  us,  that  we 
despise  not  thy  word,  but  receive  it  in  our  hearts  to  the 
amendment  of  our  ways,  and  that  we  put  our  whole 
trust  in  thy  grace  and  the  merits  of  thy  dear  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  who  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Spirit  liveth  and 
reigneth  for  ever  and  ever. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen. 

The  Third  Rogation  Day.     (The  Missionary  Festival.) 

Almighty  God,  give  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  thy  church, 
that  through  his  ministry  thy  kingdom  may  be  enlarged 


18  THE  SWEDISH   KITE 

and  established  among  all  the  peoples  of  the  earth. 
Grant  thy  servants  grace  fearlessly  to  proclaim  thy  word, 
and  strengthen  us  all  that  we  may  obey  thee  with  a 
lively  faith  and  remain  stedfast  in  the  confession  of  thy 
name,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen. 

The  Fourth  Rogation  Day.     (The  Thanksgiving  Day.) 

Almighty  God,  and  heavenly  Father,  from  thee  we 
receive  unceasingly  all  good  gifts,  and  by  thee  we  are 
kept  day  by  day  from  harm  and  mischief  :  we  beseech 
thee,  give  us  thy  grace  with  true  faith  to  acknowledge 
all  thy  goodness,  and  praise  and  magnify  thee  in  time 
and  eternity,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen. 

The  priest  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  : 

Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord  according  to  the  Apostle 
(the  Prophet,  etc.).     N.N. 

The  Epistle  of  the  day  is  then  read.  On  a  rogation  day 
the  lesson  of  the  evensong  for  that  day  is  read. 

Then  a  hymn  is  sung  {the  gradual  psalm),  during  which 
the  priest  stands  facing  the  altar.  When  the  singing  is 
finished,  the  priest  turns  to  the  congregation   and  says  : 

Lift  up  your  hearts  to  God  and  hear  the  gospel  of 
the  day. 

Thus  writes  the  Evangelist  (the  Prophet,  etc.)  N.N. 

The  Gospel  of  the  day  is  then  read.  On  a  rogation  day 
the  lesson  of  the  High  Mass  for  the  rogation  day  is  read. 

Then  is  said,  or  by  the  people  sung,  the  confession  of 
faith  ;  in  the  former  case  the  priest  stands  facing  the 
congregation.  Between  the  reading  of  the  gospel  and  the 
creed  may  be  inserted  the  words  :  "  Let  us  now  together 
confess  our  Christian  faith." 


PUBLIC   SERVK  E  ig 

\\  i  believe  in  God  Father  Almighty,  maker  oi 
heaven  and  earth. 

wl  believe  likewise  in  jesus  christ,  his  only 
begotten  son,  our  lord,  who  is  begotten  01  mil 
Holy  Ghost;  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary  :  suffered 
under  Pontius  Pilate  :  crucified  dead  and  buried  : 
descended  into  the  kingdom  of  death:  on  the 
third  day  arisen  again  from  the  dead  :  ascended 
into  heaven  :  sitting  on  the  right  side  of  god  the 
Father  Almighty;  from  thence  coming  again  to 
judge  living  and  dead. 

we  believe  likewise  in  the  holy  spirit  :  one 
holy  Universal  Church,  the  communion  of  saints, 
the  forgiveness  of  sins,  the  resurrection  of  the 
dead  and  an  everlasting  life. 

When  the  Creed  is  sung  at  Divine  Service,  the  Metrical 
Creed  included  in  the  hymn  book  is  used.  On  the  grader 
festivals  the  following  confession  of  faith  may  be  employed  : 

i  believe  in  one  only  god,  almighty  father, 
maker  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  all  that  which  is 
visible  and  invisible. 

And  in  one  only  Lord,  Jesus  Christ,  the  only 
begotten  son  of  god,  begotten  of  the  father 
before  all  time,  god  of  god,  llght  of  llght,  very 
God  of  vera'  God,  begotten  not  made,  of  the  same 
substance  as  the  father;  in  him,  through  whom 
all  things  are  made;  who  for  us  men  and  for  the 
sake  of  our  salvation  hath  come  down  from  heaven 
and  taken  manhood  through  the  holy  spirit  by 
the  Virgin  Mary  and  hath  become  man  ;  who  also 
for  us  hath  been  crucified  under  pontius  pllate, 
hath  suffered  and  been  buried;  who  on  the  third 
day  hath  risen  up  according  to  the  scriptures 
and  gone  up  into  heaven  and  sitteth  on  the  right 
side  of  the  father  ;  thence  coming  again  in  glory 


20 


THE   SWEDISH    RITE 


to  judge  the  living  and  the  dead;  of  whose 
kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end. 

And  in  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  Lord  and  Lifegiver, 
who  proceedeth  from  the  father  and  the  son ; 
who  together  with  the  father  and  the  son  is 
worshipped  and  glorified  and  who  hath  spoken 
through  the  prophets. 

And  in  one  only,  holy,  universal  and  apostolic 
Church. 

i  confess  one  only  baptism  for  the  forgiveness 
of  sins  and  look  for  the  resurrection  of  the  dead 
and  the  life  of  the  world  to  come.    amen.1 


1  [The  methods  of  using  the  Creeds  in  the  English,  Swedish 
and  American  Churches  may  be  seen  from  the  following  table  : — 

Apostles'  Creed 


English  Church. 

S.iid  aloud  ("  I 
believe  ")  by  priest 
and  people  to- 
gether on  all*  occa- 
sions (except  in 
Baptism,  where  the 
candidate  is  asked 
if  he  believes  it). 


Swedish  Church. 

Only  said  aloud 
by  the  people  ("  We 
believe  ")  when  it  is 
sung  as  the  Metrical 
Creed  in  the  Holy 
Communion.  On 
that  occasion,  if  it 
is  said,  the  priest 
turns  to  the  people 
and  recites  it  for 
their  hearing  ("  We 
believe") ;  he  does 
similarly  in  the  bap- 
tism of  an  infant, 
"  Let  us  hear  the 
confession  of  our 
faith.."  An  adult 
candidate  for  bap- 
tism is  asked  if  he 
believes  the  Creed, 
or,  alternatively,  he 
says  it  alone  (' '  I  be- 
lieve") ;  it  is  said 
alone  at  his  ordina- 
tion by  bishop  or 
priest,  and  by  a 
rector  at  his  instal- 
lation. 


American  Church. 

Said  aloud  by 
priest  and  people 
together  ("  I  be- 
lieve ")  (as  in  the 
English  Church), 
but  as  an  alterna- 
tive the  Niccne 
Creed  is  allowed  a1 
Morning  and  Even- 
in"  Praver. 


PUBLIC   SERVICE 


21 


When  an  anthem,  suitable  to  the  particular  dav,  is 
desired  to  be  sung  at  Divine  Service  and  it  can  be  done,  it 
should  follow    immediately    after   the    Creed.     After   the 


English  Church. 

Said  aloud  by 
priest  and  people 
together  "  (I  be- 
lieve ")  in  the  Holy 
Communion. 


English  Church. 

Said  aloud  by 
priest  and  people 
together  thirteen 
times  in  the  year 
(roughly  once  a 
month),  on  the  Six 
Greater  Festivals, 
and  on  seven  other 
Holy  Days. 

English  Church. 

"  hell  "     {ad    in- 
feros "     or     "  in- 
erna  "). 


[a)  "  the  Holy 
Catholic  Church" 
(Apostles  Creed). 

(b)  "  one  Catho- 
lic and  Apostolic 
Church  "  (Nicene 
Creed), 

resurrection  of  the 
body,  dead,  flesh. 

"  the  life  ever- 
lasting." 


*  [The  Swedish  word  ' 
English  word  "catholic,' 


Nicene  Creed 

Swedish  Church. 

Used  as  an  op- 
tional alternative 
at  High  Mass  on 
greater  festivals, 
and  included  in  the 
church  doctrine  as  a 
declaration  of  belief. 

Athanasian  Hymn 

Swedish  Church. 

Included  in  the 
church  doctrine.but 
never  recited  in 
worship. 


Variations 
Swedish  Church. 

"  dodsriket  (the 
realm  of  the  dead), 
helvetet  (hell),  un- 
der jorden  "  (under 
the  earth). 

(a)  "  en  helig  all- 
mdnnelig*  kyrka" 
(one  holy  Universal 
church)." 

(b)  en  enda,  helig 
allmimnelig  och 
apostolisk   kyrka. 

(kroppens  leka- 
mens)  dodas  upp- 
standelse. 

"  ett  evigt  liv" 
(an). 


A  merican  Church. 

As  in  the  English 
Church. 


American  Church. 
Neither      recited 
nor      included       in 
church  doctrine. 


American  Church. 

(alternative) 
"  place  of  departed 
spirits." 


"  the  Holy  Catho- 
lic Church." 


one  Holy  Catho- 
lic and  Apostolic 
Church. 


resurrection 
the  body. 


of 


"  the 

lasting.' 


life     ever- 


J.H.S.] 

!katolsk"  does  not  possess  the  wide  connotation    >t  thi 
but  is  now  used  either  in  the  si-nse  of  our  esq 


22  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Confession  of  Faith  a  short  hymn  or  a  verse  of  a  hymn  is 
sung  as  an  introduction  to  the  sermon.  When  the  Creed 
is  sung,  this  pulpit  hymn  is  omitted,  in  which  case  the 
priest  leaves  the  altar  towards  the  end  of  the  singing  of  the 
Metrical  Creed. 

There  follows  the  sermon  on  the  proper  text.  After  the 
sermon  the  following  prayer  is  read  : — 

Praised  be  God  and  blessed  for  ever,  who  by  his  word 
hath  comforted,  taught,  exhorted,  and  admonished  us. 
May  his  Holy  Spirit  stablish  the  word  in  our  hearts, 
that  we  be  not  forgetful  hearers,  but  daily  increase  in 
faith,  hope,  love,  and  patience  until  the  end  and  attain 
salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

After  this  prayer  the  collect  in  the  Gospel  book  next  to 
the  gospel  may  be  read. 

The  Church  Notices  may  then  be  given  out  in  the  following 
manner : 

i.  Notice  is  hereby  given  in  the  presence  of  this 
congregation  that  N.N.  has  demanded  the  marriage 
licence  l  for  contracting  marriage  with  N.N.  : 

The  third  time. 

The  second  time. 

The  first  time. 
Notice  is  hereby  given,   that  the  banns  certificate 
(for  the  man)  2  has  been  issued  for  N.N.  in  marriage 
with  N.N. 

1  Herewith  as  in  the  matter  of  announcing  the  issue  of  the 
banns  certificate  (man)  and  banns  of  marriage  (woman)  the  full 
name,  together  with  profession  and  abode  of  the  betrothed,  shall 
be  given. 

"Roman  Catholic,"  or,  combined  with  the  word  "  Grckisk  "  (Grekisk-katolsk),  to 
refer  to  the  Orthodox  Church  of  the  East.  Even  in  scientific  works  the  word 
"  katolsk  "  is  used  with  this  restricted  meaning,  though  by  derivation  it  could,  of 
course,  be  used  in  a  wider  sense.  It  will  be  remembered  that  in  the  Prayer  for 
the  Church  Militant  in  tint  English  Communion  Office  and  in  the  Litany,  the  word 
"universal"  is  used  as  an  exact  equivalent  of  the  word  "catholick,"  which  is 
used  in  the  creeds  and  elsewhere  to  describe  the  Church.—  E.  E.  V] 

2  ["  Aktenskapsbetyg,"  specially  issued  for  men.] 


PUBLIC   SERVICE  23 

Impediments  to  their  marriage  may  be  lodged  with 
the  parish  priest  in  N.N.  congregation  in  N.N.  county. 
Banns  of  marriage  (for  the  woman)  l  are  published  in 
the  presence  of  this  congregation  : 

The  third  time  between  N.N.  and  N.N. 
The  second  time  between  N.N.  and  N.N. 
The  first  time  between  N.N.  and  N.N. 
After  all  the  notices  of  the  demanding  of  the  marriage 
licence  and  the  issuing  of  the  banns  certificate  and  all 
the  banns  have  been  published,  then  is  said  : 

The  Lord  God,  who  hath  instituted  matrimony,  give 
them  happiness  and  blessing  in  their  solemn  union. 

2.  The  following  persons,  who  are  sick,  desire  to  be 
remembered  in  the  prayers  of  the  congregation  :  N.N. 
and  N.N. 

3.  We  are  reminded  to-day  again  of  our  mortality  by 
the  announcement  that  N.N.  hath  departed  this  life 
at  the  age  of  .  .  .  (the  following  persons  have  departed 
this  life,  namely,  N.N.  at  the  age  of  .   .  .). 

After  all  the  departed  have  been  mentioned  by  name,  is 
added  : 

The  Lord  teach  us  so  to  consider  our  own  coming 
departure,  that,  when  we  are  to  depart  this  transitory 
life,  we  may  be  prepared  for  a  blessed  end. 

4.  We  give  humble  thanks  to  God  for  N.N.,  who  after 
serious  illness  hath  been  restored  to  health.  Grant  him 
[her],  O  Lord,  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  he  [she]  may  profit- 
ably use  his  [her]  prolonged  day  of  grace,  to  the  praise 
of  thy  holy  name  and  his  [her]  own  salvation. 

5.  Notices  are  given  of  Services,  of  the  Confirmation  of 
the  young,  together  with  collections  for  Church  or  charitable 
purposes  ;  and  here,  too,  the  Rogation  Day  Brief  is  read 
aloud,  when  such  is  to  hand. 

1  [Lysning  till  aktenskap,  "  specially  issued  for  women.'  J 


24  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

The  pulpit  office  concludes  with  a  valediction  (vdlonskan) 
to  the  congregation,  for  which  some  of  the  following  texts 
may  conveniently  be  used  : 

In  General 
The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of 
God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with 
you  all.     Amen.  2  Cor.  xiii.  13. 

or  also  : 

The  God  of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  us  unto  his 
eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  after  that  ye  have  suffered 
a  while,  make  you  perfect,  stablish,  strengthen,  settle 
you.  To  him  be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen.  1  Pet.  v.  10-11. 

Easter  and  Whitsuntide 
Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the 
dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  shepherd  of  the  sheep, 
through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant :  Make 
you  perfect  in  every  good  work  to  do  his  will,  working 
in  you  that  which  is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight,  through 
Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.    Amen . 

Heb.  xiii.  20-21. 
Trinity 
Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly 
above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to  the  power 
that  worketh  in  us :  Unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church 
by  Christ  Jesus  throughout  all  ages,  world  without 
end.     Amen.  Eph.  hi.  20-21. 

At  the  End  of  the  Church  Year 
The  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly;    and  I 
pray  God  your  whole  spirit  and  soul  and  body  be  pre- 
served blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen.  1  Thess.  v.  23. 


PUBLIC   SERVICE  25 

After  this  a  short  hymn  is  sung,  during  which  the  priest 

goes  to  the  altar.  The  next  part  of  High  Mass  is  performed 
in  different  ways,  according  as  Divine  Service  docs  or  does 
not  conclude  with  a  celebration  of  the  Holy  Supper. 

A. — When  the  Lord's  Supper  is  Celebrated 

[The  Swedish  mass  has,  in  spite  of  many  reforms,  preserved 
its  body  and  soul,  but  has  cast  off  much  of  Us  out  ward  costume. 
Differences  were  made,  but  twenty-two  points  of  unity  were 
retained.  These  are  dealt  with  in  some  detail  by  Dr.  Howard 
Sw  instead  in  The  Swedish  Church  and  Ours. 

Two  vital  points  are  to  be  noted  :  (i)  Preparation  for,  and 
Invitation  to,  the  Holy  Communion.  In  Sweden  it  is  preparation 
that  is  emphasized — by  means  of  special  services  (skriftermal)— 
\\  liereas  Anglicans  may  content  themselves  for  preparation  with 
the  service  that  precedes  (Mattins  or  Litany).  The  point  most 
markedly  accentuated  in  the  Prayer  Book  is  invitation,  which 
is  given  in  three  distinct  exhortations  :  (a)  The  means  by  which 
spiritual  benefit  is  obtained;  (b)  a  warning  against  refusing  the 
Messing  offered;  (c)  a  warning  against  careless  participation. 
The  response  of  the  clergy  and  their  people  is  the  next  con- 
sideration ;  it  logically  follows  upon  preparation  and  invitation  : 
it  is  the  (2)  Attendance  of  communicants;  their  obedience  or 
their  unfaithfulness;  their  neglect  or  their  acceptance.  A 
certain  Bishop  writes  of  his  Diocese  after  a  visitation  :  "  The 
position  of  the  Eucharist  in  our  parishes  requires  care,  attention 
and  vigilance.  Most  of  the  incumbents  send  reports  which  may 
be  summarized  thus  :  '  The  Holy  Communion  has  fallen  into 
disuse.'  Now,  however  few  the  communicants  may  be,  how- 
ever often  the  celebration  may  be  announced  and  yet  fail  from 
lack  of  congregation,  yet  such  an  estimate  is  not  altogether 
true,  for,  as  we  shall  see,  participation  in  the  service  has  not 
diminished,  but  shown  a  regular  increase,  in  some  places  where 
a  diminution  was  previously  remarked.  It  is  better  expressed 
by  one  Priest  who  says  '  there  is  a  manifest  tendency  to  look  on 
the  Eucharist  as  a  sacrament  which,  like  Baptism,  is  to  be  received 
once  and  no  more.'  There  is  a  small  number  of  parishes  where 
attendance  is  considerable,  and  this  is  not  attributable  always 
to  a  surviving  custom,  but  is  traceable  to  an  increase  of  religious 
activity.  ..."  At  one  celebration  young  people  numbered 
over  two  hundred  of  both  sexes.'  This  was  connected  with  an 
awakening,  the  source  of  which  went  back  to  the  faithful  labour 
of  a  Rector  since  deceased,  and  truly  interpreted  it  is  the  fruit 
of  a  work  done  among  young  people  by  two  preachers  in  close 
sympathy  with  their  Priests.  .  .  .  But  these  arc  exceptions  to 
a  rule  rightly  deplored  as  a  falling  off;  '  Communion  is  out  of 
use,''  'the  Holy    Table   almost  deserted';    more   often   than   not 

D 


26  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

the  Service  is  offered,  but  has  to  be  postponed;  in  one  place 
'  none  at  all.'  .  .  .  The  choice  of  times  to  hold  a  celebration 
shows  a  leaning  towards  fixed  days  (Confirmation  Day,  New- 
Year's  Eve,  Sunday  before  Lent,  Palm  Sunday,  first  Sunday  in 
June,  Harvest  Thanksgiving,  the  last  Sunday  before  Advent, 
Advent  Sunday,  Passion  Week,  Whitsun  Monday,  the  Rogation 
Days  (Bondagarne),  even  '  every  other  Sunday,'  during  warm 
seasons  from  Whit  Sunday  to  October  i.  .  .  .  A  certain  dis- 
content with  the  new  law  which  relieves  one  of  the  duty  of  giving 
notice  before  communicating  may  be  detected  in  such  comments 
as  these  :  '  wondrous  to  say  the  least,'  '  inconceivable,'  for 
'  with  that  statute  all  control  over  communicants  is  removed  ' 
and  '  this  law  has  opened  the  Holy  Table  to  all.'  Yet  the  risk 
of  being  overwhelmed  with  unworthy  communicants  is  not  so 
great,  for  the  same  critic  writes  '  except  the  newly  confirmed, 
very  few  of  the  congregation,  alas  !  partake,  though  many  are 
entitled  to  do  so.'  .  .  .  One  Priest  has  inaugurated  a  special 
celebration  on  Maundy  Thursday  '  to  promote  a  commemoration 
devoutly  to  be  desired,  or  generally  to  celebrate  at  the  Greater 
Festivals,  when  it  would  be  most  profitable  to  permit  a  Priest 
to  replace  an  elaborate  admonition  by  readings  from  certain 
biblical  passages,  and  some  prayers  in  a  liturgical  form.  The 
exhortation  formerly  used,  '  Dear  people  '  ('  Yalsignade  kristne'), 
could  be  resumed,  and  all  the  more  aptly  since  no  direct  exhorta- 
tion is  provided.  This  purely  liturgical  celebration  would  greatly 
relieve  the  Priests'  work  of  preparation  at  the  Greater  Festivals, 
and — what  is  more  to  the  point — contribute  to  a  spiritual  calm 
in  the  celebrant  and  the  communicants,  without  any  distinct 
aid  from  the  word  of  man  while  God's  work  of  grace  proceeds. 
'  For  my  own  part,"  he  continues,  '  I  consider  the  service  of 
shriving  (skriftermal)  no  essential  part  of  the  Holy  Communion. 
At  every  service  there  is  confession  and  absolution.  Shriving 
easily  suggests  the  unevangelical  impression  of  a  special  pre- 
paration exalted  above  that  which  belongs  to  every  communion 
with  the  Lord's  holiness  and  love.  The  day  is  past  for  protecting 
the  Holy  Table  against  superstitious  fervour  or  notorious  offenders."' 
-J.  H.S.] 

The  priest,  facing  the  congregation,  says  or  sings  : 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

So  may  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

The  priest : 

Let  us  pray. 

The  priest  now  turns  to  the  altar,1  and  offers  the  general 

1    Where  the  acoustic  conditions  require  it,  the  priest  may  turn 
towards  the  congregation  for  the  recitation  of  the  prayers. 


PUBLIC   SERVICE  27 

intercession,  which,  however,  on  the  three  last  rogation 
days  and  on  the  remaining  festivals,  for  which  special 
prayers  are  prescribed  (see  Chap.  II),  is  preceded  by  the 
prayer  proper  to  the  particular  festival.  Herewith  should 
the  shorter  formula  be  used  (see  Chap.  II)  the  congregation 
sings  :  Amen.  On  the  first  rogation  day  the  litany  may 
be  used  as  a  church  prayer. 

In  the  general  intercession,  according  to  circumstances, 
those  parts  of  the  prayer  referring  to  conditions  which  do 
not  always  prevail,  are  omitted,  such  as  the  prayers  for 
the  church  congress,  for  parliament,  for  confirmation 
candidates  (nattvardsungdom) ,  etc. 

General  Intercession 

Thee  we  invoke,  O  eternal  and  almighty  God,  Maker 
of  all  the  world.  Be  gracious  to  ns  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake  and  remember  not  our  sins.  Sanctify  and  govern 
us  with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  give  us  grace  according 
to  thy  word  to  walk  in  holiness  of  life.  Unite,  strengthen 
and  preserve  thy  Christendom  through  the  word  and 
the  holy  sacraments.1  Have  pity,  Lord,  upon  all  peoples, 
who  are  yet  bound  in  the  night  of  blindness  and  death, 
and  may  thy  saving  grace  through  the  gospel  arise  upon 
them  with  light  and  life. 

For  the  Church  Congress 

(Bless  them  who  are  now  assembled  together  to  confer 
on  the  affairs  of  thy  church,  that  their  consultations 
may  promote  thy  honour  and  the  edifying  of  thy  kingdom 
in  our  midst.) 

Be  the  guard  and  shield  of  our  fatherland,  and  give  it 
grace  and  honour.     Bless  and  preserve  our  beloved  king 

1  On  the  missionary  festival  (the  third  rogation  day),  when  the 
missionary  prayers  included  in  Chap.  II  are  read  before  the  ge; 
intercession,  the  prayers  for  missions  are  here  omitted. 


28  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

and  all  his  house,  and  their  kinsfolk.     Grant  thy  help 
to  the  government  and  defence  of  the  kingdom. 

For  the  Parliament 

(Bless  the  parliament  now  assembled  together,  that 
they  may  debate  and  settle  all  things  in  the  fear  of 
God  and  in  the  bond  of  unity.) 

Give  peace  and  prosperity  to  our  common  life,  honest 
and  Christian  counsel  in  all  that  we  undertake.  Pro- 
mote every  good  work  and  turn  away  from  us  all  evil 
and  harm.  May  thy  blessing  rest  upon  the  crops  of 
the  earth,  and  likewise  upon  all  lawful  callings  and 
estates. 

Bless  our  homes  and  give  grace  to  the  upbringing  and 
growth  of  the  young  in  thy  truth  and  fear. 

For  Confirmation  Candidates 

(Look  with  thy  special  grace  upon  those  children  who 
are  being  prepared  for  their  first  communion.  Grant 
unto  them  Christlike  insight  and  unfeigned  faith,  that 
they  may  ever  walk  as  thy  true  disciples  in  the  way  of 
thy  truth.) 

Bless  also  them  that  are  bidden  to  thy  holy  table, 
that  they  may  be  strengthened  there  in  faith  and  love 
and  the  hope  of  everlasting  life. 

Help  and  comfort  all  sick  and  poor,  the  desolate  and 
the  oppressed,  those  who  are  afflicted  and  dying  !  Give 
thy  gracious  protection  to  all  widows  and  all  that  are 
defenceless.  Help  us  finally  in  our  last  hour  and  grant 
us  after  this  transitory  life  eternal  salvation;  through 
Jesus  Christ  thy  Son  our  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  :   Amen. 

Occasional  prayers  for  use  in  special  circumstances, 
such  as,  for  example,  in  time  of  national  affliction,  church 


PUBLIC  SERVICE 


29 


building  in  a  parish,  etc.,  shall,  when  they  occur,  follow 
next  after  the  general  intercession  (see  Chap.  II). 

Here  follows  a  short  hymn  or  verse  of  a  hymn,  during 
which  the  holy  elements  arc  prepared  on  the  altar.  At  the 
end  of  the  singing  the  priest  turns  to  the  congregation  and 
says  or  sings  : 

Lift  up  your  hearts  to  God. 

The  congregation  stands  up  and  sings: 

God  lift  up  our  hearts. 

The  priest : 

Let  us  give  thanks  unto  our  Lord  God. 

The  congregation  : 

Worthy  is  he  alone  of  thanks  and  praise. 

The  congregation  sits  down  and  the  priest  turns  to  the 
altar  and  sings  or  recites  the  following  thanksgiving : 

Yea,  verily  it  is  meet,  right  and  blessed,  that  we 
should  at  all  times  and  in  all  places  give  thanks  and 
praise  to  thee,  almighty  Father,  holy  God,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  He  is  our  paschal  lamb,  which 
was  offered  for  us,  the  pure  lamb  of  God,  who  bore  the 
sin  of  the  world  even  unto  death.  Like  as  he  hath 
vanquished  death  and  risen  again  and  lives  for  ever, 
even  so  shall  all  who  put  their  trust  in  him  vanquish 
sin  and  death  through  him,  and  inherit  life  everlasting. 
And  that  we  may  not  forget  this  his  inestimable  benefit, 
he  hath  instituted  his  holy  supper. 

Or: 

Yea,  verily  it  is  meet,  right  and  blessed  that  we  should 
at  all  times  and  in  all  places  give  thanks  and  praise  to 
thee,  almighty  Father,  holy  God,  through  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord,  whom  thou  for  our  sins  hast  given  and  suffered 
to  die  for  us,  who  were  worthy  of  death,  that  we  may 
live  through  him.  And  that  we  may  not  forget  this 
his  inestimable  benefit,  he  hath  instituted  his  holy 
supper. 


30  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Then  the  priest  sings  or  recites  the  Narrative  of  the 
Institution  of  the  Lord's  Supper  : l 

In  the  night,  when  the  Lord  Jesus  was  betrayed, 
he  took  bread,  gave  thanks  to  god,  broke  it  and 
gave  to  the  disciples  and  said  :  take  ye  and  eat. 
this  is  my  body,  which  is  given  for  you.     do  this 

IN  MYr  REMEMBRANCE. 

Likewise  also  he  took  the  cup,  gave  thanks  to 
God  and  gave  to  the  disciples  and  said  :  Drink 
ye  all  this.  this  cup  is  the  new  covenant  in  my 
blood,  which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remission 
of  sins.  as  often  as  ye  drink  this,  do  this  in  my 
remembrance. 

Then  the  priest  says  : 

Let  us  all  pray  now  as  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself 
hath  taught  us  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

Then  priest  and  congregation,  which  stands  up,  sing  : 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  the  heavens 
and  the  earth  are  full  of  thy  glory.  Grant  salvation 
from  on  high.  Blessed  is  he  that  comet h  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord.     Grant  salvation  from  on  high. 

The  priest  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  or  sings  : 

The  peace  of  the  Lord  be  with  you. 

The  communicants  now  come  forward,  while  the  organ 
plays  softly,  after  which  the  congregation  stands  up  and 
sings  : 

0  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of 
the  world, 

Deliver  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

1  [It  will  be  noticed  that  there  are  no  rubrical  directions  here 
as  to  the  "manual  acts."  The  consecration  is  effected  by  the 
Lord's  Prayer  with  a"  special  intention  "defined  by  the  Narrative 
of  the  Institution. — -Ed.] 


PUBLIC  SERVK  I  .;i 

O  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sin-,  of 
1  iii   world, 

Deliver  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

0  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of 
i  in:  world, 

Grant  us  thy  peace  and  blessing. 

After  this  during  the  administration  of  the  holy  men!, 
appropriate  hymns  arc  sting  by  the  congregation  with  a 
soft  accompaniment  on  the  organ. 

The  priest  first  administers  the  bread  to  each  communicant 
with  these  words  : 1 

The  Body  of  Christ  given  for  thee. 

And  then  the  cup  with  these  words  : 
The  Blood  of  Christ  shed  for  thee. 

To  each  row  of  communicants,  as  they  leave  the  com- 
munion table,  the  priests  says  : 

The  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whose  body  and  blood  ye 
have  received,  preserve  you  unto  everlasting 
life.  Amen. 

go  in  the  peace  of  the  lord. 

Or  else  the  priest  says  at  the  administration  of  the  bread  : 

Jesus  Christ,  whose  body  thou  receivest,  pre- 
serve THEE  UNTO  EVERLASTING  LIFE. 

And  for  the  administration  of  the  cup  : 
Jesus  Christ,  whose  blood  thou  receivest,  pre- 
serve THEE  UNTO  EVERLASTING  LIFE. 

1  The  priest's  own  communion  is  so  ovdeyed  that,  when  the  priest 
has  administered  the  bread  to  a  row  of  communicants,  he  kneels 
towards  the  altar,  and  administers  the  bread  to  himself  with  the 
ivords  :    "  The  body  of  Christ,  given  for  me." 

When  he  has  administered  the  wine  to  the  same  row,  he  drinks  in 
the  same  way  from  the  cup  with  these  words  :  "  The  blood  of  Christ, 
shed  for  me." 

At  the  final  salutation  to  this  row  of  communicants  the  words 
"  we  "  and  "  us  "  should  be  substituted  for  "ye  "  and  "you." 


32  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

To  each  row  of  communicants,  as  they  leave  the  com- 
munion table,  the  priest  says  : 

The  grace  and  peace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
be  with  you  all.  amen.1 

go  in  the  peace  of  the  lord. 

When  the  administration  of  the  holy  meal  is  finished, 
the  priest  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  : 
Let  us  pray. 

Turning  to  the  altar,  he  offers  one  of  the  following 
thanksgiving  collects : — 

We  thank  thee,  almighty  Father,  who,  through  thy 
Son,  Jesus  Christ,  hast  instituted  this  holy  supper  to 
our  comfort  and  salvation,  and  pray  thee,  grant  us 
grace  so  to  celebrate  the  remembrance  of  Jesus  on 
earth,  that  we  may  also  be  partakers  of  the  great  com- 
munion in  heaven. 

The  congregation  sings  :  Amen. 

Or: 

We  thank  thee,  almighty  God,  that  through  this 
precious  meal  of  grace  thou  hast  refreshed  and  satisfied 
us,  and  pray  thee,  that  thou  suffer  it  to  lead  to  the 
increase  of  our  faith  and  advancement  in  godliness  and 
all  Christlike  virtues,  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  :   Amen. 

Or: 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thou  who  hast  called  us  to  this 
communion,  we  most  heartily  thank  thee  for  thy  mercy, 
that  thou  hast  fed  us  here  with  thy  body  and  blood, 
that  thou  hast  filled  and  embraced  us  with  thy  goodness. 
O  Lord,  be  near  us  !  We  commit  ourselves  into  thy 
hands,  and  put  our  trust  in  thee;  grant  us  to  abide 
with  thee  for  ever. 

1  Or  some  other  convenient  sentoice  out  of  holy  scripture. 


PUBLIC   SERVU  I.  33 

The  congregation  sings  :  Amen. 

The  priest,  turning  to  the  congregation,  says  or  sin 

Let  us  give  thanks  and  praise  to  the  Lord. 

The  congregation  stands  up  and  sings  : — 

Thanks  and  praise  be  to  the  Lord. 

Halleluia  !     Halleluia  !    Halleluia  ! 

Finally  the  priest  says  : 

Bow  your  hearts  to  God  and  receive  the  blessing. 

The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you;  the  Lord 
make  his  countenance  to  shine  upon  you  and  be 
gracious  unto  you  ;  the  Lord  turn  his  countenance 
toward  you  and  give  you  peace. 

In  the  name  oe  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son 
and  the  Holy  Spirit.    Amen. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen,  Amen,  Amen. 

After  the  blessing  a  short  hymn  or  verse  of  a  hymn  is 
sung,  with  which  the  service  concludes.1 

B. — When  the  Lord's  Supper  is  not  Celebrated 

When  everything  is  finished  in  the  pulpit,  a  short  hymn 
is  sung,  at  the  end  of  which  the  priest,  turning  to  the  con- 
gregation, says  or  sings  : 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

So  may  the  Lord  be  with  you. 

The  priest : 

Let  us  pray. 

The  priest  now  turns  to  the  altar,2  and  offers  the  general 
■intercession ,  which,  however,  on  the  three  last  rogation  days 

1  When  the  Supper  is  celebrated  apart  from  the  service  of  High 
Mass,  the  aforesaid  order  of  communion-mass  (nattvardsmdssa) 
shall  be  followed. 

-  Where  acoustic  conditions  require  it,  the  priest  may  turn 
towards  the  congregation  for  the  recitation  of  the  prayers. 


34  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

and  on  the  remaining  festivals,  for  which  special  prayers 

arc  prescribed  (see  Chap.  II),  is  preceded  by  the  prayer 
proper  to  the  particular  festival.  Herewith  should  the 
shorter  formula  be  used  (sec  Chap.  II).  The  congregation 
sings:  Amen.  On  the  first  rogation  day,  the  Sundays  in 
Lent  and  on  Good  Friday  the  litany  is  used  as  the  church 
prayer. 

In  the  general  intercession,  according  to  circumstances, 
those  parts  of  the  prayer  referring  to  conditions  which  do 
not  always  prevail,  are  omitted,  such  as  the  prayers  for 
the  church  congress,  for  parliament,  for  confirmation 
candidates  (naltvardsungdoiu),  etc. 

General  Intercession 

Thee  we  invoke,  O  eternal  and  almighty  God,  Maker 
of  all  the  world.  Be  gracious  to  us  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake  and  remember  not  our  sins.  Sanctify  and  govern 
us  with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  give  us  grace  according  to 
thy  word  to  walk  in  holiness  of  life.  Unite,  strengthen 
and  preserve  thy  Christendom  through  the  word  and 
the  holy  sacraments.  Have  pity,  Lord,  upon  all 
peoples,1  who  are  yet  bound  in  the  night  of  blindness 
and  death,  and  may  thy  saving  grace  through  the  gospel 
arise  upon  them  with  light  and  life. 

For  the  Church  Congress 

(Bless  them  who  are  now  assembled  together  to  confer 
on  the  affairs  of  thy  church,  that  their  consultations 
may  promote  thy  honour  and  the  edifying  of  thy 
kingdom  in  our  midst.) 

Be  the  guard  and  shield  of  our  fatherland,  and  give 
it  grace  and  honour.     Bless  and  preserve  our  beloved 

1  On  the  missionary  festival  (the  third  rogation  day),  when  the 
missionary  prayers  included  in  Chap.  II  are  read  before  the  general 
intercession,  the  prayers  for  missions  are  here  omitted. 


PUBLIC   SERVICE 

king  and  all  his  house,  and  their  kinsfolk.     Grant  thy 
help  to  the  government  and  defence  of  the  kingdom. 

For  the  Parliament 

(Bless  the  parliament  now  assembled  together,  that 
they  may  debate  and  settle  all  things  in  the  fear  of 
God  and  in  the  bond  of  unity.) 

Give  peace  and  prosperity  to  our  common  life,  honest 
and  Christian  counsel  in  all  that  we  undertake.  Promote 
every  good  work  and  turn  away  from  us  all  evil  and  harm. 
May  thy  blessing  rest  upon  the  crops  of  the  earth,  and 
likewise  upon  all  lawful  callings  and  estates. 

Bless  our  homes  and  give  grace  to  the  upbringing  and 
growth  of  the  young  in  thy  truth  and  fear. 

For  Confirmation  Candidates 

(Look  with  thy  special  grace  upon  those  children,  who 
are  being  prepared  for  their  first  communion.  Grant 
unto  them  Christlike  insight  and  unfeigned  faith,  that 
they  may  ever  walk  as  thy  true  disciples  in  the  way 
of  thy  truth.) 

Help  and  comfort  all  sick  and  poor,  the  desolate  and 
the  oppressed,  those  who  are  afflicted  and  dying  !  Give 
thy  gracious  protection  to  all  widows  and  all  that  are 
defenceless.  Help  us  finally  in  our  last  hour  and  grant 
us  after  this  transitory  life  eternal  salvation ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Occasional  prayers  for  use  in  special  circumstances, 
such  as,  for  example,  in  time  of  national  affliction,  church 
building  in  a  parish,  etc.,  shall,  when  they  occur,  follow 
next  after  the  general  intercession  (see  Chap.  II). 

The  priest  continues  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen. 


36 


THE   SWEDISH    RITE 


The  priest,  turning  to  the  congregation,  says  or  sings  : 

Let  us  give  thanks  and  praise  to  the  Lord. 

The  congregation  stands  up  and  sings  : 

Thanks  and  praise  be  to  the  Lord. 

Halleluia  !     Halleluia  !     Halleluia  ! 

Finally  the  priest  says  : 

Bow  your  hearts  to  God  and  receive  the  blessing. 

The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you;  the  Lord 
make  his  countenance  to  shine  upon  you  and  be 
gracious  unto  you  ;  the  lord  turn  his  countenance 
toward  you  and  give  you  peace. 

In  the  name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son 
and  the  Holy  Spirit.  Amen. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen,  Amen,  Amen. 

After  the  blessing  a  short  hymn  or  verse  of  a  hymn  is 
sung,  with  which  the  service  concludes. 

III.— EVENSONG  1 

Commences  with  a  hymn.  There  follows  a  sermon  on 
the  even  ing  lesson  prescribed  for  the  day.     1 1  'hen  a  lesser 


1  [Afton  Sang  (Evensong) 
On  holy  days  when  the  service  is  held,  two  forms  have  prevailed. 


A  sermon  on  the  Epistle  for 
the  day,  or  reading  of  a  half 
or  a  whole  chapter  from  Old 
or  New  Testament. 

The  "  Evening  Hymn,"  or 
Examination  in  the  cate- 
chism. 

Blessinst. 


Since  1693  (generally  at  two 
o'clock). 

Hymn  suitable  to  the  occasion. 

Verse  invoking  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Sermon  on  the  Sunday  or  holy 
day  epistle. 

If  the  holy  day  fell  on  a  Sun- 
day then  the  Gospel  lor  the 
Sunday. 

In  Lent  the  subject  was  the 
story  of  the  passion. 

Prayers  and  Our  Father. 

An  Evening  Hymn. 

Blessing  from  the  altar. 


PUBLIC   SERVICE  37 

holy-day  falls  on  a  Sunday,  or  on  the  Transfiguration  of 
Christ,  I  he  sermon  is  -preached  on  the  High  Mass  text  for 
the  Sunday,  and  in  Lent  on  the  account  of  Christ's  passion. 

After  the  sermon  the  prayer  is  read  :  Praised  be  God, 
etc.  (p.  22).  Then  follows  the  valediction.  At  the  end  of 
the  sermon  an  appropriate  hymn  is  sung,  during  which 
the  priest  goes  up  to  the  altar. 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

So  may  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

The  priest  : 

Let  us  pray. 

The  priest,  turning  to  the  altar,  reads  the  prayer  set 
forth  below,  -which,  however,  on  the  three  last  rogation  days 
as  well  as  on  the  remaining  festivals,  for  which  special 
prayers  are  found  prescribed,  is  preceded  by  the  prayers 
proper  to  the  particular  festival  (sec  Chap.  II),  on  the 
Sundays  in  Lent  by  the  Lent  prayers  (p.  53),  and  on  Good 
Friday  by  the  Burial  prayers  after  the  funeral  sermon  : 
0  Lord  God,  heavenly  Father,  etc.  (see  Chap.  X). 

General  Prayer 
At  Evensong 
We  thank  thee,  O  Lord,  heavenly  Father,  for  all  the 
good  things  that  we  have  this  day  received  from  thee, 
and  more  especially  for  thy  holy  word  of  salvation. 
Bless,  O  God,  with  thy  Spirit  whatsoever  hath  been  sown 
in  our  hearts,  and  grant  that  it  may  bear  fruit  unto 
eternal  life.     Keep  thy  whole  church  under  thy  gracious 

No  Afton  Sang  is  held  in  the  country,  although  it  is  usual  to 
call  by  that  name  the  later  service  on  Good  Friday,  which  is 
based  on  the  burial  of  Christ :  but  the  name  is  unsuitable  because 
the  whole  service  is  concluded  by  midday. — J. II. S.J 


3S  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

protection ;  grant  it  to  bo  built  up  in  unity  and  strength 
on  Jesus  Christ,  its  living  foundation,  and  deliver  it 
from  false  doctrine  and  all  other  ill.  Protect  and  bless 
with  thy  mighty  hand  our  beloved  king  and  all  his 
house.  Prosper  every  good  word  and  grant  to  all 
estates  of  men  to  feel  thy  help  and  blessing.  Bless 
the  earth,  that  it  may  bring  forth  its  fruit,  and  vouch- 
safe to  us  after  thy  great  goodness  whatsoever  is  needful 
to  us  temporally.  Remember,  O  God,  all  who  are  in 
sickness  and  distress,  and  be  their  comfort  and  help. 
Be  with  us  every  day  and  teach  us  rightly  to  use  our 
short  and  precious  time  of  grace.  Preserve  us  in  body 
and  in  soul  through  the  coming  night.  Into  thy  hands 
we  commend  ourselves  and  all  that  we  have.  Praised 
be  thy  holy  name.     Amen. 

The  priest  continues  : 

Our  Eather,  etc. 

Thereafter  the  priest  says,  turning  to  the  congregation  : 

Bow  your  hearts  to  God  and  receive  the  blessing. 

The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you  ;  the  Lord 
make  his  countenance  to  shine  upon  you  and  be 
gracious  unto  you  ;  the  lord  turn  his  countenance 
toward  you  and  give  you  peace. 

In  the  name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son 
and  the  Holy  Spirit.  Amen. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen,  Amen,  Amen. 

The  service  concludes  with  a  hymn  or  verse  of  a  hymn. 

WEEKDAY   SERVICES 

Weekday  Sermons 

which  are  preached  on  the  days  and  at  the  time  generally 
established,  begin  with  an  appropriate  hymn.  The  sermon, 
which  ought  not  I"  last  mure  than  half  an  hour,  is  given, 


PUBLIC  SERVK  I  39 

in  Lent  on  some  part  of  the  account  of  the  passion  of  Christ, 
and  at  other  times  on  some  other  text  ;  and  should,  as  a 
rule,  be  gathered  out  of  sonic  book  of  the  Bible  taken  in 
continuous  succession. 

At  the  end  of  the  sermon  is  read,  in  Lent  first  the  Lent 
praver  (/>.  53),  and  then  the  general  prayer  ordered  for 
the  weekday  service  {p.  58),  and  finally  the  Lord's  Prayer 
and  the  blessing.  At  other  times  the  same  prayers  are 
used ;  only  excepting  the  Lent  prayer.  The  service 
concludes  with  a  short  hymn. 


Public  Morning  Prayer 

begins  with  the  singing  of  a  hymn,  after  which  the  priest 
reads  this  prayer  from  the  pulpit : 

I  thank  thee,  O  God,  dear  heavenly  Father,  through 
Jesus  Christ  thy  beloved  Son,  that  thou  hast  this  night 
kept  me  from  all  harm  and  danger,  and  pray  thee  that 
thou  forgive  me  all  my  sins  and  graciously  preserve  me 
this  day  from  sin,  harm,  and  every  ill,  that  my  life  and 
all  my  deeds  may  be  pleasing  to  thee.  I  commend 
myself,  my  body  and  soul  into  thy  hands.  May  thy 
fatherly  care  be  my  protection.     Amen. 

After  this  prayer  is  read  the  passage  out  of  the  New 
Testament  in  the  prescribed  order  ;  then  follows  the  general 
prayer  for  weekday  services  given  in  Chap.  II  (p.  58)  ; 
finally  the  Lord's  Prayer  and  blessing  are  read. 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you  ;  the  Lord 
make  his  countenance  to  shine  upon  you  and  be 
gracious  unto  you  j  the  lord  turn  his  countenance 
toward  you  and  give  you  peace. 

In  the  name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son 
and  the  Holy  Spirit.  Amen. 

Morning  Prayer  concludes  with  a  hymn. 


4o  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Public  Evening  Prayer 

begins  with  a  hymn,  after  which  the  priest  reads  from  the 
jutlpit  the  passage  out  of  the  Old  Testament  in  the  pre- 
scribed order,  and  then  the  prayer  at  weekday  services 
{p.  58).     Then  follows  this  evening  prayer  : 

Watch  over  us,  O  Lord,  heavenly  Father,  and  preserve 
us  from  every  evil  that  may  happen  to  body  and  soul. 
Give  us  grace  to  take  our  rest  in  safety  this  night  beneath 
thy  protection;  and  when  at  length  our  last  evening 
cometh,  grant  us  then  to  fall  asleep  in  thy  peace; 
through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  Lord  bless  you,  etc. 

Evening  prayer  concludes  with  a  hymn. 

On  solemn  occasions,  or  when  a  greater  number  of 
people  are  present,  public  morning  and  evening  prayer 
may  be  said  in  the  following  manner  : 

A. — In  the  Morning 

First  a  hymn  is  sung,  "while  the  priest  goes  np  to  the 
altar.  At  the  end  of  the  singing  the  priest  turns  to  the 
congregation,  saying : 

Grace  be  unto  you  and  peace  from  God,  Our 
Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Come,  let  us  worship  our  God  and  fall  down  before 
the  Lord. 

Then  the  priest,  turning  to  the  altar,  reads  some  of  the 
following  portions  of  the  Psalms  of  David  (Ps.  i. ;  v.  1-7  ; 
xix. ;  lxiii.  1-9;  xcii.  1-7;  cxiii.  2-5;  exxx.). 

The  psalm  selection  concludes  with  : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to 
the  Holy  Spirit,  as  it  was  from  the  beginning  is 
now  and  shall  be  from  everlasting  to  everlasting. 
Amen. 


PUBLIC  SERVU  l  41 

The  priest  turns  to  the  congregation  and  sa 

Hear  the  word  of  God  by  N.X.  in  X.N.  chapter. 

Then  is  read  the  passage  of  the  New  Testament  in  the 
prescribed  order. 

At  the  end  of  the  reading  the  congregation  sings 
appropriate  hymn. 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

So  may  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

The  priest  : 

Let  us  pray. 

Then  he  turns  to  the  attar  and  prays  : 

0  merciful  God,  dear  heavenly  Father,  we  thank 
thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  thy  beloved  Sun,  thai  thou 
hast  preserved,  us  this  night  from  all  harm  and  danger, 
and  beseech  thee,  through  the  same  thy  Son,  that  thou 
wilt  forgive  us  all  our  sins  and  graciously  protect  us 
this  day  from  sin,  harm,  and  every  ill,  that  our  li 
and  all  our  doings  may  be  pleasing  to  thee.  Send  out 
thy  light  and  thy  truth  that  they  may  bad  us  and 
bring  us  to  thy  heavenly  kingdom.3  Help  and  bless 
thy  church  and  congregation,  those  in  authority  over 
us,  and  all  mankind  and  especially  those  who  are  in 
sickness,  in  danger,  and  in  need.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The    priest,    turning    to     the     congregation,    says     or 
sings  : 

Let  us  give  thanks  and  praise  to  the  Lord. 
The  congregation  stands  up  and  sings  : 
Thanks  and  praise  be  to  the  Lord. 
Halleluia  !    HalleluiaI     Halleluia! 

1  When  the  general   prayer   at  the   weekday  services    •, 
Chap.  II  [page  58)  is  used,  the  words  that  follow  this  down  to  Amen 
are  on 


42  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Then  the  -priest  says,  turning  to  the  altar  : 

Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel;  lor  he  hath 
visited  and  redeemed  his  people,  and  hath  raised  up  an 
horn  of  salvation  for  us  in  the  house  of  his  servant 
David  ;  as  he  spake  by  the  mouth  of  his  holy  prophets, 
which  have  been  since  the  world  began  :  that  we 
should  be  saved  from  our  enemies,  and  from  the  hand 
of  all  that  hate  us;  to  perform  the  mercy  promised  to 
our  fathers,  and  to  remember  his  holy  covenant;  the 
oath  which  he  sware  to  our  father  Abraham,  that  he 
would  grant  unto  us,  that  we  being  delivered  out  of 
the  hand  of  our  enemies  might  serve  him  without  fear, 
in  holiness  and  righteousness  before  him,  all  the  days 
of  our  life.     (Luke  i.  68-75.) 

Then  the  priest  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  : 

The  Lord  bless  you,  etc. 

The  service  concludes  with  a  short  hymn. 


B. — In  the  Evening 

First  a  hymn  is  sung,  while  the  priest  goes  up  to  the 
altar.  At  the  end  of  the  singing  the  priest  turns  to  the 
congregation,  saying  : 

Grace  be  unto  you  and  peace  from  God,  Our 
Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Come,  let  us  worship  our  God  and  fall  down  before 
the  Lord. 

Then  the  priest,  turning  to  the  altar,  reads  some  of  the 
following  portions  of  the  Psalms  of  David  (Ps.  xxiii. ; 
xxv.  1-13 ;  lxvii. ;  cxxi. ;  cxxxix.  1-18 ;  cxli.  1-6;  cxlvi. 

The  psalm  selection  concludes  with  : 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 

The  priest  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  : 

Hear  the  word  of  God  by  N.N.  in  N.N.  chapter. 


PUBLIC   SERVICE  43 

Then  is  read  the  passage  of  the  Old  Testament  in  the 
prescribed  order. 

At  the  end  of  the  reading  the  congregation  sings  some 
appropriate  hymn. 

The  priest  says  or  sings  : 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

So  may  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

The  priest : 

Let  us  pray. 

Then  he  turns  to  the  altar  and  prays  : 

Watch  over  us,  O  Lord,  heavenly  Father,  and  preserve 
us  from  every  evil  that  may  happen  to  body  and  soul. 
Give  us  grace  to  take  our  rest  this  night  in  safety  beneath 
thy  protection.  Guard  and  bless  thy  church  and  con- 
gregation and  those  well-beloved  in  authority  over  us. 
Graciously  remember  in  thy  mercy  those  who  are  in 
sickness,  in  need,  and  in  peril.  Have  pity  upon  all 
mankind ;  and  when  at  length  our  last  evening  cometh 
grant  us  then  to  fall  asleep  in  thy  peace,  that  we  may 
wake  up  in  thy  glory.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  priest,  turning  to  the  congregation,  says  or  sings  : 

Let  us  give  thanks  and  praise  to  the  Lord. 

The  congregation  stands  up  and  sings  : 

Thanks  and  praise  be  unto  the  Lord. 

Halleluia  !     Halleluia  !     Halleluia  ! 

Then  the  priest  says,  turning  to  the  altar : 

The  Lord's  name  is  holy  :  his  mercy  is  on  them  that 
fear  him  from  generation  to  generation.  He  hath 
shewed  strength  with  his  arm;  he  hath  scattered  the 
proud  in  the  imagination  of  their  hearts.  He  hath  put 
down  the  mighty  from  their  seats,  and  exalted  them  of 
low  degree.  He  hath  filled  the  hungry  with  good 
things;  and  the  rich  he  hath  sent  empty  away.     He 


44  THE    SWEDISH   RITE 

hath  holpen  his  servant  Israel,  in  remembrance  of  his 
mercy;  as  he  spake  to  our  fathers,  to  Abraham,  and  to 
his  seed  for  ever.     (Luke  i.  49-55.) 

Then  the  priest  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  : 

The  Lord  bless  you,  etc. 

The  service  concludes  with  a  short  hymn. 

Instructions  on  the  Bible 
are   usually  given  upon   some  book  of  the  Bible  taken 
continuously. 

LAW-COURT   SERVICES 

commence  with  a  hymn.  Then  a  sermon  is  preached  on 
some  optional  text.  After  the  sermon  the  following  prayer 
is  read,  together  with  the  Lord's  Prayer  and  the  blessing, 
whereupon  a  hymn  concludes  the  service. 

Prayer  at  Law-court  Services 
O  holy  righteous  God,  thou  who  lovest  justice  and 
hatest  all  ungodly  ways  :  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
both  written  thy  law  in  our  hearts  and  also  hast  revealed 
nnto  us  in  thy  holy  word  that  which  is  right,  and  that 
which  thou  requirest  of  us.  Give  thy  blessing  upon 
the  law  and  order  established  among  us  under  thy 
protection.  Preserve,  guide,  and  strengthen  unto  every 
good  work  our  beloved  king,  his  counsellors  and  magis- 
trates. Grant  that  by  their  endeavours  righteousness 
and  peace,  goodness  and  truth  may  be  promoted  among 
us;  and  give  thy  Holy  Spirit  especially  to  those  whose 
weighty  office  it  is  to  minister  law  and  justice,  that 
they  themselves  may  take  their  stand  beneath  the 
judgment  of  thy  word,  and  in  incorruptible  honesty, 
carefulness  and  wisdom  endeavour  to  give  judgment  in 
every  cause.     O  thou  that  turnest  the  heart  of  man 


PUBLIC   SERVICE  45 

by  thy  power,  assuage  all  earthly  contentions,  and  teat  h 
us  to  consider  our  infirmity  in  even  going  to  law  one 
with  another.  Arouse  all  criminals  to  a  hearty  con- 
fession of  their  transgressions:  all  who  are  convicted 
that  their  punishment  may  lead  them  to  amendment : 
all  who  bear  witness  that  they  may  hold  faithfully 
to  the  truth  :  all  advocates  that  they  pervert  not  the 
right  nor  prolong  disputes,  but  take  into  their  care  tin: 
innocent  and  the  oppressed  to  defend  their  right.  Grant 
us  all  grace  to  remember  the  great  day  of  reckoning, 
when  thou  shalt  bring  to  the  light  the  hidden  things 
of  darkness,  and  reveal  the  purposes  of  all  hearts. 
Help  us  all  in  that  day,  merciful  Lord  God.     Amen. 


CHAPTER   II 

PRAYERS  » 

i.  The  Litany  2 
;i  The  priest : 
Almighty,  everlasting  God. 
The  congregation  sings  : 
Have  mercy  upon  us. 
The  priest : 

0  Lord,  hear  our  prayer. 

1  The  clergy  are  at  liberty  to  use  the  alternative  form  as  it  is  set 
out  further  on  (see  page  67). 

2  The  whole  of  the  Litany  may  be  read  by  the  priest,  when  cir- 
cumstances are  such  that  it  cannot  be  said  with  responses. 

3  [Both  in  structure  and  in  contents,  the  Litanies  of  the  Swedish 
and  English  Churches  show  a  common  ancestry  and  a  kinship 
never  lost.  With  marked  succinctness,  the  Swedish  form 
crystallises,  in  greater  brevity  than  ours,  the  volume  of  petitions, 
without  losing  dignity  or  force.  Her  less  frequent  and  briefer 
responses  also  shorten  the  length  of  time  spent  in  reverent 
recitation  (about  eight  minutes,  more,  of  course,  if  sung) ; 
when  added  to  other  services,  the  English  Litany  in  its  entirety 
is  felt  to  be  over  long.  The  American  Prayer  Book  has  sanc- 
tioned the  omission  of  "  the  intermediate  portion  "  from  the 
close  of  the  supplications  to  the  Grace. 

The  last  Versicles  and  Responses  from  "  O  Lord,  arise,  help  us, 
and  deliver  us,"  come  from  an  addition  to  the  ancient  Rogation 
Litany  to  be  used  in  time  of  %var.  It  is  an  Antiphon  to  the  Psalm 
represented  by  one  verse,  "  we  have  heard  with  our  ears  "  ;  and 
the  Gloria  Patri  possibly  comes  in  its  right  place,  for  the  Antiphon 
is  the  last  verse  of  the  Psalm  in  question.  Antiphons,  when 
given  in  full  before  a  Psalm,  were  not  usually  reprinted  at  its 
end.  We  use  our  Litany  three  times  a  week,  Sweden,  hers  eight 
times  a  year. 

A  striking  feature  is  kept  by  the  Swedish  Litany  which  is 
absent  from  the  English  :  the  ministry  of  Angels  is  acknow- 
ledged. Here,  as  in  their  service  of  Holy  Matrimony  prayer  is 
oliercd  by  Swedes  that  God  will  grant  Angelic  aid. — J. M.S.] 

46 


PRAYERS  47 

The  congregation  sings : 

Lord,  hear  our  prayer. 

The  priest : 

O  Lord  God,  Father  in  heaven  : 

O  Lord  the  Son  of  God,  Redeemer  of  the  world  : 

O  Lord  God,  thou  Holy  Spirit  : 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 

The  priest : 

Be  gracious  unto  us. 

The  congregation  sings : 

Help  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

The  priest : 

From  all  sins, 

From  all  error, 

From  all  evil, 

From  the  craft  and  the  subtilty  of  the  devil, 

From  pestilence  and  famine, 

From  war  and  bloodshed, 

From  rebellion  and  dissension, 

From  hail  and  tempest, 

From  fire  and  drought, 

From  sudden  death  in  sin, 

From  everlasting  death, 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Deliver  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

The  priest : 

By  thy  holy  nativity, 

By  thy  cross  and  death, 

By  thy  holy  resurrection  and  ascension, 

In  tribulation  and  need, 

In  wealth  and  prosperity, 

In  the  hour  of  death, 

In  the  last  judgment, 


48  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Help  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

The  priest : 

We,  miserable  sinners,  beseech  thee, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  govern  and  preserve  thy 
holy,  Christian  church, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  keep  all  bishops,  teachers, 
and  hearers  in  true  doctrine  and  holy  living, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  banish  all  false  doctrine 
and  leading  astray, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  suffer  the  light  of  thy 
gospel  to  rise  before  the  people,  who  are  yet  bound  in 
the  night  of  blindness  and  death, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  restore  all  that  are  erring 
and  have  been  led  astray, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  give  us  the  victory  over 
our  spiritual  enemies, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  send  faithful  labourers  into 
thy  harvest, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  give  thy  Spirit  and  thy 
power  with  the  word, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  help  and  comfort  all  that 
arc*  desolate  and  oppressed, 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Hear  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

The  priest : 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  be  the  guard  and  shield 
of  our  fatherland  and  to  give  it  grace  and  honour, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  give  to  all  kings  and  peoples 
peace  and  concord, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  bless  our  beloved  king, 
all  his  house  and  their  kinsfolk, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  grant  thy  help  to  the 
government  and  defence  of  the  kingdom  (and  to  bless 
the  parliament  now  assembled  together), 


PRAYERS  |o 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Hear  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

The  priest : 

That  it  may 'please  thee  to  bless  our  home-,  and  to 
give  grace  to  the  upbringing  and  growth  of  the  young 
in  thy  truth  and  fear, 

riuit  it  may  please  thee  to  bless  ("specially  them  that 
are  being  prepared  for  their  first  communion, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  help  and  succour  all  that 
are  in  need  and  danger, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  preserve  and  help  all 
women  pregnant  and  labouring  of  child, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  comfort  and  restore  all 
sick  persons, 

1  hat  it  may  please  thee  to  deliver  all  innocent  captives, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  defend  and  provide  for  all 
widows,  orphans,  and  all  that  are  poor  and  oppressed, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  grant  us  a  forgiving  spirit 
toward  our  enemies  and  to  turn  them, 

That  it  may  please  thee  by  thy  holy  angels  to 
guide  and  preserve  all  travellers  by  land  or  by 
water, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  bless  the  fruits  of  the 
earth,  all  labour  in  mines,  seafaring,  and  all  rightful 
sources  of  livelihood,  and  to  give  us  grace  to  use  them 
in  the  right  way, 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  have  mercy  upon  all 
men, 

That  it  may  please  thee  graciously  to  hear  us, 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Hear  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

The  priest : 

0  Jesu  Christ,  Son  of  God. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 


5o  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

The  priest  and  the  congregation  sing  : 

O  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 

world, 

Save  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 

world, 

Hear  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 

world, 

Grant  us  thy  peace  and  blessing. 

The  priest : 

O  Christ,  hear  our  prayer. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Lord  have  mercy  upon  us  ! 

Christ  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Lord  have  mercy  upon  us. 

The  priest : 

O  Lord,  deal  not  with  us  after  our  sins  : 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Neither  reward  us  after  our  misdeeds. 

The  priest : 

O  Lord,  almighty  God,  that  hearest  the  sighing  of 
the  contrite  and  comfortest  the  sorrowful  hearts  :  Hear 
the  prayer,  that  we  make  before  thee  in  our  necessity, 
and  assist  us,  that  all  those  evils,  which  the  devil,  the 
world,  and  our  own  flesh  work  against  us,  may  by  the 
power  of  thy  Spirit  be  dispersed  and  brought  to  naught : 
that  we  being  delivered  from  all  evil,  may  evermore 
give  thanks  and  praise  to  thee  in  thy  holy  Church : 
through  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen. 

or, 
The  priest : 
0  Lord,  mercifully  look  upon  thy  people. 


PRAYERS  51 

The  congregation  sings  : 

We  put  our  trust  in  thy  goodness. 

The  priest : 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  thou,  who  by  thy  Holy 
Spirit  sanctifiest  and  rulest  all  Christian  people,  hear  our 
prayer  that  we  make  before  thee,  and  mercifully  grant 
that  thy  church  may  serve  thee  in  true  faith  :  through 
thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen. 

or, 

The  priest : 

Cast  us  not  away  from  before  thy  countenance, 

The  congregation  sings  : 

And  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us. 

The  priest : 

O  Lord  God,  from  whom  all  good  counsels,  and  all 
just  works  do  proceed  :  Give  unto  thy  servants  that 
peace  which  the  world  cannot  give,  that  our  hearts  may 
be  set  to  obey  thy  holy  commandments  and  also  that 
under  thy  protection  we  may  pass  our  time  in  rest 
and  quietness;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen. 

or, 

The  priest : 

O  Lord,  help  thy  people  and  bless  thine  heritage, 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Nourish  them  and  lift  them  up  for  ever. 

The  priest  : 

Almighty  Father,  everlasting  God,  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth,  thou,  who  by  thy  providence  orderest  and 
rulest  all  things  well :  We  beseech  thee  that  thou  wilt 
forgive  us  all  our  sins,  and  graciously  vouchsafe  to  us 
perpetual  peace  and  concord,  that  we  may  live  in  thy 


52  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

fear,  and  evermore  praise  and  honour  thy  Holy  Name  : 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  : 
Amen. 

2.  Prayer  on  Advent  Sunday 

0  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thou  who  earnest  in  righteousness 
to  be  the  succour  of  Israel :  We  thank  thee  that  so  like- 
wise on  this  day  thou  comest  graciously  to  thy  church 
in  thy  word  and  thy  sacrament,  to  preach  the  gospel 
to  the  poor,  to  heal  them  that  are  broken  of  heart,  to 
proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives,  and  sight  to  the  blind. 
Grant  us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  receive  thee  with  ready 
hearts  and  joyfully  to  hail  thee  as  our  king.  Strengthen 
us  that  we  may  fearlessly  confess  thee  before  the  world, 
and  grant  us  grace  that  we  may  in  watchfulness  await 
thy  last  coming,  that  we  may  be  found  ready  in  that 
day  to  stand  before  thee  and  with  thee  to  enter  into 
everlasting  felicity.     Amen. 

3.  Prayer  on  Christmas  Day 

Merciful  God,  loving  Father,  we  give  thee  thanks  and 
praise  that  thou  hast  mercifully  fulfilled  the  word  of 
thy  promise  to  the  fathers  and  suffered  thine  only- 
begotten  Son  to  become  man  for  our  salvation  and 
blessedness.  O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  eternal  praise  be  unto 
thee,  that  thou,  being  rich,  for  our  sakes  becamest 
poor,  that  we  through  thy  necessity  might  become  rich ; 
that  thou  hast  become  our  brother,  that  we  with  thee 
might  become  the  children  of  God.  Grant  that  thou 
mayest  be  born  in  our  hearts,  and  like  as  thou,  though 
thou  art  Lord  of  all  lords,  hast  for  our  sakes  become  a 
child,  so  give  us  the  right  childlike  mind.  Thou  bright- 
ness of  the  Father's  glory  and  image  of  his  person,  do 
thou  renew  us  in  thy  holy  likeness.     Thou  hcavenlv 


PRAYERS  53 

Light,  lighten  us  through  the  darkness  of  this  world. 
Thou  eternal  Life,  give  us  life  in  thee.  Thou  great 
Prince  of  Peace,  grant  us  thy  peace,  and  keep  us  ever  in 
thy  kingdom,  that  we  may  laud  and  magnify  thee  in 
thy  glory:  thou,  who  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Spirit  livest  and  reignest  for  ever.     Amen. 

4.  Prayer  on  New  Year's  Day 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  strong  in  grace, 
unchangeable  in  faithfulness,  thou  remainest  as  thou 
art,  and  thy  years  have  no  end.  We  render  unto  thee 
thanksgiving  and  praise  on  this  first  day  of  the  year, 
for  all  thy  mercy  which  thou  hast  so  abundantly  shewn 
unto  us  in  the  days  that  are  gone.  We  beseech  thee 
that  thou  wilt  ever  henceforward  grant  us  to  enjoy 
I  he  blessing  which  thou  hast  prepared  for  us  in  Christ 
Jesus  thy  Son.  Create  in  us  a  new  heart  with  this  new 
year:  Teach  us  to  seek  first  thy  kingdom  and  thy 
righteousness,  that  so  all  we  need  of  earthly  good  may 
be  added  unto  us.  In  thy  Name,  Lord  Jesus,  we  will 
begin  and  end  all  our  works.  Pour  out  thy  blessing 
upon  all  who  eall  upon  thy  Name.     Amen. 

5.  Prayer  after  Lent  Sermon 

O  Lord  Jesus,  ineffably  great  was  thy  love  toward  us 
fallen  men,  that  thou  for  our  sakes  becamest  man,  and 
sufferedst  shame  and  anguish,  torment  and  death  for 
us  sinners,  that  else  had  to  suffer  eternal  death.  Give 
us  grace,  that  we  may  ever  remind  ourselves,  and  receive 
faithfully  this  thy  precious  blessing,  and  that  we  may 
therefore  praise  thee  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  ever  lead  a  Christian  hie,  and  in  all  need  and 
adversity  find  comfort  in  that  thou  art  our  Saviour 
who  hast  delivered  us  from  the  power  of  death  and  the 


54  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

devil,  and  finally  wilt  take  us  from  this  world  of  toil  to 
thyself  in  heaven  there  to  perfect  thy  praise  for  ever. 
Amen. 

6.  Prayer  on  Good  Friday 

O  Lord  Jesus,  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins 
of  the  world  :  We  give  thee  thanks  for  thy  great  love 
toward  us,  miserable  sinners,  that  thou  for  our  sakes 
didst  humble  thyself  and  become  obedient  unto  death, 
yea,  unto  the  death  of  the  cross.  Thou  didst  carry 
our  sickness  and  lay  upon  thee  our  pains.  Thou  tookest 
upon  thee  punishment,  that  we  might  have  peace  and 
be  healed  by  thy  wounds.  Praised  be  thy  Holy  Name. 
Cleanse  us  now  from  our  sins  by  thy  blood,  and  grant 
us  thy  peace.  Help  us  by  the  power  of  thy  death  to 
die  from  sin  and  take  our  cross  upon  us  and  follow  thee. 
Keep  us  in  thy  fellowship,  that  we  with  all  them  that 
have  triumphed  through  thy  blood,  may  at  last  give 
thanks  and  praise  unto  thee  for  ever.     Amen. 

7.  Prayer  on  Easter  Day 

Almighty  God,  heavenly  Father,  we  come  before  thee 
with  thanks  and  praise,  that  thou,  who  for  our  sins 
didst  give  thine  only-begotten  Son,  hast  for  our  justi- 
fication raised  him  up  and  made  him  vanquisher  of 
sin  and  death.  O  Lord  Jesus,  the  prince  of  life,  grant 
us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  in  the  power  of  thy  resur- 
rection we  may  arise  and  walk  in  newness  of  life.  Give 
us  the  comfort  of  a  living  hope.  Come  unto  us,  as  thou 
earnest  unto  thy  first  disciples,  and  grant  us  thy  peace. 
Keep  us  in  this  peace  until  the  end,  and  in  the  hour  of 
death  help  us  to  perceive  that  thou  art  the  resurrection 
and  the  life.  Finally,  raise  again  to  life  our  mortal 
bodies,  and  make  them  like  to  thy  glorified  body,  that 


PRAYERS  55 

we  together  with  the  Church  Triumphant  may  sing  : 
"  Thanks  be  unto  God,  who  hath  given  us  the  victory, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."     Amen. 

8.  Prayer  on  Ascension  Day 

Holy  Saviour,  thou  hast  accomplished  thy  great  work 
of  redemption  :  thou  hast  sat  down  on  the  right  side  of 
God  as  a  king  for  ever,  and  the  hosts  of  heaven  worship 
thee.  We  likewise  come  now  into  thy  presence  to 
worship  thee,  to  give  thee  thanks  and  praise  that  thou 
hast  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood  and  opened  unto 
us  a  way  to  heaven.  Yet  now  are  we  strangers  and 
foreigners  upon  earth  :  help  us  abundantly  through  this 
our  time  of  need.  Create  in  us  a  heavenly  mind,  that 
we  may  seek  that  which  is  above,  and  not  that  which 
is  upon  earth.  0  Lord  Jesus,  thou,  who  art  the  head  of 
the  church,  fill  it  with  the  rich  gifts  of  thy  Spirit,  and 
help  us  that  we  with  all  thy  faithful  may  finally  come  to 
the  place  where  thou  art  and  see  thy  glory.     Amen. 

g.  Prayer  on  Whitsunday 

O  God,  we  thank  thee,  that  thou  on  the  first  Christian 
Pentecost  didst  endue  the  hearts  of  thy  faithful  people 
with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  thereby  hast  founded  thy 
Church  upon  earth.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
likewise  gathered  us  into  this  thy  Church,  and  that  thou 
hast  given  us  thy  word  and  thy  sacraments,  by  which 
thou  wouldest  sanctify  us  in  thy  Holy  Spirit.  We 
beseech  thee,  pour  out  thy  Holy  Spirit  upon  us,  upon  our 
congregations,  and  upon  our  homes.  Come,  Holy  Spirit, 
inspire  the  dullness  of  our  cold  hearts,  cleanse  us  from 
sin,  increase  our  faith,  and  stir  up  in  us  a  burning  love 
for  one  another,  that  we  may  preserve  the  unity  of  the 
spirit  through  the  bond  of  peace.     Spirit  of  truth,  lead 


56  THE  SWEDISH   RITE 

us  into  thy  truth,  and  grant  us  whatsoever  is  profitable 
to  life  and  godliness,  to  thy  honour  and  our  salvation. 
Amen. 

io.  Prayer  on  Holy  Trinity  Sunday 

0  holy  triune  God,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
revealed  thyself  unto  us  in  the  fullness  of  thy  grace  as 
our  God  :  that  thou  hast  by  baptism  adopted  us  as  thy 
children  of  grace,  born  again  unto  everlasting  life.  O 
thou  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  eternal  love  and 
mercy  :  O  Saviour  full  of  grace,  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
thou  art  our  wisdom,  our  righteousness,  our  sanctifica- 
tion,  our  deliverance  :  ()  Holy  Spirit  of  truth  and  adop- 
tion and  prayer  :  We  praise  thee,  we  glorify  thee,  we 
worship  thee,  O  triune  God.  Come  unto  us  and  make 
thy  dwelling  in  our  hearts.  Create  in  us  a  true  faith, 
and  a  living  hope  ;  and,  finally,  grant  us  together  with  thy 
holy  angels  and  all  the  elect  to  worship,  praise,  and  serve 
thee  in  thy  holy  temple.     Amen. 

ii.  Prayek  on  the  Second  Rogation  Day1 

(The  Festival  of  the  Reformation) 

Heavenly  Father,  we  offer  before  thee  this  day  praise 
and  thanksgiving,  that  thou  in  the  time  of  our  fathers 
didst  kindle  again  the  clear  light  of  thy  gospel,  and  gavest 
thy  servants  grace  fearlessly  to  confess  thy  truth.  We 
thank  thee  that  thou  hast  granted  us  grace  t<>  hold  fast 
unto  this  day  thy  pure  and  clean  word,  though  we  for 
our  ingratitude  did  deserve  to  lose  it.  We  pray  thee 
keep  us  from  misusing  the  gospel  creed  for  licence  and 
false  freedom.  Mercifully  turn  away  error  from  us. 
May  thy  word  and  thy  sacraments  be  kept  pure  for  our 

1  No  special  penitential  prayer  beyond  the  Litany  is  provided 
for  the  first  rogation  day  (the  day  of  penance). 


PRAYERS  57 

posterity.  Grant  to  the  servants  of  thy  word  in  our 
days,  as  thou  didst  to  the  first  confessors,  power  and  wis- 
dom rightly  to  bear  witness  to  thee  and  vanquish  the 
adversaries  to  thy  gospel.  (Irani  that  thy  church  may 
be  united  more  and  more  in  truth  and  love.  And  be 
thou  thyself,  OGod,  our  defence  and  weapon  againsl  the 
power  of  all  our  enemies,  that  even  in  this  evil  day  we 
by  thy  power  may  do  all  things  well,  and  remain  stedfast 
to  the  praise  and  honour  of  thy  gnat  name.     Amen. 

12.  Prayer  tor  the  Third  Rogation  Day 

(77/l'  Missionary  Festival)  ' 

Almighty  God,  loving  Father,  thou,  who  gavesi  thine 
onlyd)egotten  Son  that  the  world  might  be  saved  through 
him  :  We  pray  thee  look  in  mercy  and  pity  upon  them 
who  \vt  sit  in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death.  Kindle 
in  our  hearts  a  burning  love  toward  thee,  that  we  may 
truly  and  earnestly  desire  to  spread  thy  kingdom 
upon  earth.  ()  thou  Lord  of  the  harvest  send  forth 
labourers  into  thy  great  harvest.  Strengthen  and  bless 
thy  servants  in  their  work,  and  grant  that  through 
the  gospel  thy  name  may  be  glorified  in  all  the  round 
world,  and  finally  suffer  us  with  all  the  countless  hosts 
of  people  and  nations  and  tongues  to  serve  and  praise 
thee  in  thy  glory  for  ever.     Amen. 

13.  Prayer  for  the  Fourth  Rogation  Day 

[The  Thanksgiving  Day) 

Dear  heavenly  Father,  we  heartily  thank  thee  for 
all  tlie  good  things  we  have  received  from  thy  gentle 
hands.  Thou  hast  suffered  thy  word  to  dwell  abundantly 
among  us,  and  many  are  the  earthly  blessings  thou  hast 

1   This  prayer  may  also  be  used  at  special  services  tor  missions. 
F 


5S  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

bestowed  upon  us.  Lord,  we  are  not  worthy  of  all  the 
mercy  and  faithfulness  that  thou  shewest  unto  us.  But 
we  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  grant  us  thy  grace  even 
more  abundantly,  give  us  all  things  needful  and  whole- 
some, and  grant  us  ever  to  remain  a  people  who  trust  in 
thy  mighty  aid  in  all  that  may  befall  us  :  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

14.  General  Prayer  at  Weekday  Services 

Almighty  and  merciful  God,  grant  us  grace  through 
thy  word  to  grow  daily  in  fellowship  with  thee,  and  to 
learn  more  and  more  to  know  and  worship  thee  in  true 
faith  and  obedience,  and  keep  us  from  all  sin  and  error. 
O  God,  sanctity  thy  church  that  it  may  be  builded  to- 
gether in  unity  in  the  power  of  thy  faith  and  in  all  good 
deeds.  Give  thy  guidance  and  protection  to  those  who 
are  set  in  authority  over  us,  and  may  thy  blessing  rest 
upon  all  estates  of  men.  Help  and  comfort  all  who  suffer, 
raise  the  fallen,  and  restore  them  that  are  gone  astray. 
Remember  not  our  sins,  but  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake  visit 
us  with  thy  mercy,  that  we  being  strengthened  and 
governed  by  thy  grace,  may  finish  our  course  well  and 
finally  attain  thy  glory.     Amen. 

15.  Prayer  for  Parish  Confirmation  Candidates  x 

0  great  God  and  loving  Father,  thou  who  hast  already 
by  baptism  adopted  these  children  as  thy  confessors, 
who  are  now  being  prepared  to  draw  near  the  Lord's 
Table  for  the  first  time,  grant  that  they  in  this  their  time 
of  preparation  may  come  to  a  right  knowledge  of  the 
grace,  which  thou  in  the  lavcr  of  regeneration  hast 
abundantly  poured  out  upon  them.     Open  and  bend  and 

1  Since  the  subjects  of  prayers  Nos.  15-17  are  included  in  the 
General  Intercession  these  prayers  should  not  be  used  at  High  Mass. 


PRAYERS  59 

move  their  hearts,  that  they  may  attain  this  salvation 
in  a  penitent  faith.  And  when  one  day  [this  dayj  l 
tiny  themselves  make  their  confession  before  thee  and 
thy  church,  grant  them  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  that 
they  may  worthily  receive  the  communion  of  their 
Saviour,  and  afterward  steadfastly  persevere  unto  the 
end  in  the  confession  and  practice  of  their  Christian 
faith  :  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

16.  Prayer  for  the  Fruits  of  the  Earth 

Almighty  God,  merciful  Father,  who  of  thy  great 
goodness  dost  replenish  the  earth  with  divers  fruits  to 
be  the  food  of  man  and  beast :  We  beseech  thee  graciously 
bless  our  dear  fatherland  with  corn  and  grain.  Grant 
seasonable  weather  for  the  harvest  of  the  earth,  and 
preserve  it  from  all  that  may  hurt  it.  Crown  the  year 
with  thy  goodness.  Preserve  us,  O  God,  from  years  of 
barrenness,  from  famine,  and  dearness  of  living,  and 
look  upon  us  in  thy  mercy.  We  confess  our  sins  before 
thee  :  be  gracious  unto  thy  people,  and  leave  us  not, 
but  bless  us  with  all  that  thou  hast  ordained  for  our 
sustenance ;  and  give  us  grace  rightly  to  use  the  same 
to  the  praise  and  honour  of  thy  holy  name  :  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

17.  Prayer  for  the  Sick 

Omnipotent  and  everlasting  God,  the  strength  of  them 

that  are  weak,  the  health  of  them  that  trust  in  thee  :  We 

pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  in  thy  mercy  look  upon  the 

sick  and  the  needy.     Turn  their  distress  to  their  good, 

and  if  it  be  thy  will  send  them  their  health  again.     But 

above  all  give  them  the  medicine  of  the  soul  through  thy 

1   On   the  day  when  the  children   are  to  be  confirmed  the  words 
this  day  "  arc  used  ;    otherwise  the  words  "  one  day." 


60  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

holy  word,  and  help  them  in  remembrance  of  the  bitter 
passion  of  thy  Son  patiently  to  bear  the  burden  which 
thou  hast  put  upon  them  ;  and  when  their  hour  is  at  hand 
deliver  them  from  all  evil  and  bring  them  safely  to  thy 
heavenly  kingdom  :  through  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

iS.  Thanksgiving  after  a  Session  of  Parliament 

(To  be  used  at  the  Closure  of  the  Parliament) 

Eternal  God,  heavenly  Father,  strong  in  grace  and 
mighty  in  works  :  We  most  heartily  thank  thee  that 
thou  hast  in  mercy  and  grace  held  thy  protecting  hand 
over  the  common  court  of  parliament  now  closed.  We 
praise  and  magnify  thee  alone  for  all  right  intents,  good 
counsel,  and  profitable  decisions.  Whatsoever  men  have 
neglected  or  left  undone,  do  thou  graciously  forgive  and 
set  aright.  We  beseech  thee,  preserve  and  bless  them 
that  have  been  assembled  together  and  bring  them 
every  one  back  to  their  dwellings  in  peace.  Grant  them 
and  ns  all  grace  to  walk  in  the  fear  of  thee,  that  we  may 
learn  the  power  of  thy  help ;  and  grant  that  honour  may 
dwell  in  our  land  and  goodness  and  faithfulness  meet 
together.  Be  with  us,  O  Lord,  as  thou  hast  been  with 
our  fathers,  to  the  praise  and  honour  of  thy  Holy  Name  : 
through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

19.  Prayer  in  Time  of  War 
O  Lord,  almighty  God,  eternal  Father,  we  beseech  thee, 
hea  r  our  prayers  and  manifest  thy  grace  unto  us.  Pard<  >n 
us  that  we  have  in  manifold  ways  sinfully  misused  the 
blessing  of  peace,  which  thou  hast  granted  our  land. 
Deliver  us  from  all  threatening  need  of  war.  Protect, 
uphold,  and  succour  all  them  who  in  defence  of  their  native 
country  go  to  meet  dangers  and  death.     Without  thy 


PRAYERS  '.i 

help,  O  Lord,  the  wisdom  and  power  of  man  is  naught. 
Thou  alone  dost  exalt  the  humble,  and  strike  down  the 
proud  to  the  dust.  We  raise  the  standard  in  thy  Name 
and  in  thy  Name  do  we  put  our  trust.  Be  our  support, 
()  God  of  armies,  and  grant  us  victory,  that  we,  being 
delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  may  in  the 
tranquil  time  of  peace  render  unto  thee  unbroken  praise 
for  the  fruits  of  peace.  Hear  us,  merciful  God  and  Father, 
for  thy  Son  our  Saviour's  sake.     Amen. 

20.  Prayer  on  the  Field  of  Battle 

O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  thou  who  forsakest  not  them  that 
put  their  trust  in  thee,  thou  art  our  shield  and  our  strong- 
hold. Thou  hast  of  old  guarded  and  preserved  us,  for 
our  own  sword  and  our  own  arm  could  not  help  us,  but 
thy  right  hand  kcepcth  the  victory,  and  none  can  with- 
stand thy  power.  In  thee  we  place  all  our  hope.  Upon 
thee  we  call,  and  pray  that  thou  wilt  not  punish  us  as 
we  have  deserved,  but  that  thou  wilt  embrace  us  with 
thy  divine  protection.  Give  our  hearts  unity,  obedience, 
and  true  courage  in  the  faith  of  thee  and  thy  precious 
blood,  which  was  shed  for  our  sake.  Grant  us  to  belong 
to  thee,  whether  we  live  or  die.  Stretch  out  thy  hand 
upon  our  dear  fatherland,  that  we  may  serve  thee  again 
in  peace  and  quietness  in  thy  true  fear,  in  holiness  and 
righteousness  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

21.  Prayer  in  Times  of  Dearth  and  Famine 

Almighty  and  gracious  God,  who  suffercst  all  things 
to  spring  from  the  earth,  for  the  support  and  nourish- 
ment of  both  man  and  beast.  We  have  turned  away 
from  us  thy  blessing  through  our  sins,  so  that  the  people 


62  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

languisheth  with  hunger.  O  Lord  our  God,  look  upon 
our  need.  Graciously  lighten,  O  Lord,  this  punishment, 
that  we  be  not  given  over  to  despair.  Give  us  patience 
and  resignation.  Bless  our  small  provision.  Bless  the 
earth  again  with  fruit  fulness,  grant  seasonable  weather, 
give  us  sufficient  for  our  need,  and  grant  us  grace,  here- 
after, ever  to  use  thy  gifts  with  thankfulness  and  moder- 
ation. Give  us  also,  with  our  daily  bread,  nourishment 
for  the  soul,  that  we  may  praise  thee  both  now  and  for 
evermore :  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

22.  Prayer  in  Times  of  Infectious  Sickness 

O  everlasting,  righteous  God,  we  fall  down  before 
thee  and  confess  our  sin  with  contrite  hearts.  We  con- 
fess that  we  have  righteously  deserved  this  affliction, 
which  thou  hast  visited  upon  us  with  a  sore  and  infectious 
pestilence.  But  we  invoke  thy  pity ;  O  Lord,  be  merci- 
ful unto  us  and  spare  us.  Deal  not  with  us  after  our 
sins,  neither  reward  us  after  our  misdeeds.  Save  us  from 
the  plague  that  scattereth  terror  and  mourning  and  sor- 
row among  us.  Teach  us  to  bear  thy  discipline  patiently, 
and  prepare  ourselves  at  every  hour  to  stand  before  thy 
face.  We  give  ourselves  into  thy  hands,  for  thy  mercy 
is  great.  Give  us  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
neither  death  nor  life  may  sever  us  from  thy  love,  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.     Amen. 

23.  Prayer  to  be  used  at  a  Service  at  Sea 

O  Lord,  almighty  God,  merciful  Father  of  heaven  : 
We  give  thee  thanks  and  praise  that  thou  hast  thus 
graciously  led  us  over  the  depth  of  the  sea  until  this  day. 
Grant  us  henceforward  ever  to  enjoy  thy  fatherly  pro- 
tection.    Thou  makest  a  path  through  the  midst  of  the 


PRAYERS  63 

sea,  and  plantcst  a  way  through  the  restless  waves. 
For  the  earth  and  the  sea  are  thine,  and  the  winds  are 
thy  ministers.  Grant  us  now  after  thy  great  goodness  a 
prosperous  voyage.  O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  be  with  us 
as  thou  wast  of  old  with  thy  disciples  in  the  ship,  and 
grant  us  to  behold  the  mightiness  of  thy  help.  Give  us 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  hold  fast  to  thy  word  and 
in  all  times  of  necessity  and  peril  put  our  trust  in  thee, 
thou,  who  even  now  canst  rebuke  the  winds  and  the 
sea,  that  they  become  calm  and  still.  And  when  thou 
hast  holpen  us  out  of  danger  and  destruction,  arouse  us  to 
give  thee  hearty  thanks  and  to  walk  faithfully  in  thy 
commandments.  When  at  length  we  shall  be  severed 
from  this  life,  bring  us  through  a  holy  death  from  this 
life's  roaring  sea  to  the  shore  of  real  joy.     Amen. 

24.  Prayer  for  Seafarers 

Heavenly  Father,  we  pray  thee  for  those  who  journey 
on  the  perilous  ocean,  that  thou  wilt  embrace  them  with 
thy  mighty  protection  and  grant  them  success  in  all 
their  rightful  undertakings.  Give  them  grace  to  hold 
to  thee  in  honest  faith  and  preserve  them  that  they  fall 
not  into  the  sore  temptations  that  beset  their  calling. 
Grant  them  in  all  hours  of  need  to  perceive  that  they  have 
a  God  and  a  Father,  who  remembereth  them,  and  grant 
them  grace  in  the  hour  of  danger  to  commit  their  souls 
into  thy  hands.  0  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  canst  rebuke 
the  storm  that  it  cometh  to  silence,  and  the  roaring 
waves  that  they  are  laid  to  rest,  shew  them,  who  out  of 
the  deep  call  upon  thee,  that  thou  hearest  prayer  and 
savest  them  :  but  rebuke  likewise  the  storms  of  passion 
in  their  breast  as  in  our  own,  and  finally  bring  us  all  to 
the  only  safe  port.     Amen. 


64  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

25.  Prayer  for  Fishermen 

O  merciful  God,  heavenly  Father,  thou  who  satis: 
even"  living  thing,  and  givest  us  miserable  sinners  our 
daily  bread  for  th     -  ike,  bless  too  their  handicraft, 

who  out  on  the  sea  seek  their  livelihood  and  that  of  their 
kinsfolk.  Thpu  didst  suffer  thy  dear  Son  when  he  was 
upon  earth  to  choose  poor  fishermen  to  be  his  apostles  : 
give  grace  that  they  also  who  put  out  from  these  shores 
may  strive  to  become  and  remain  his  disciples.  Preserve 
them  from  danger  and  all  evil :  and  when  they  call  to 
thee  from  the  depth  of  need,  O  Lord,  hear  their  prayer. 
Give  thy  help,  that  they  may  ever  have  before  their 
eves  how  soon  their  days  may  be  told.  Lead  them 
according  to  thy  wisdom,  that  they  may  give  thanks  and 
praise  to  thv  Holy  Name  for  thy  fatherly  care  :  through 
thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

26.  Prayer  for  use  in  Parishes  Where  mines  are 
Situated 
We  thank  thee,  merciful  God,  for  the  riches  which 
thou  suflerest  us  to  bring  from  the  bowels  of  the  earth  in 
this  place.  We  pray  thee,  that  thou  wouldest  bless  and 
preserve  these  thy  riches  and  give  us  grace  to  use  them 
thankfully  to  the  honour  of  thy  name.  Grant  to  all 
who  watch  over  these  mines,  wisdom  and  power  duly 
to  accomplish  that  which  they  ought.  Preserve  from 
harm  and  danger  those  who  work  in  the  deep  chambers  of 
the  earth,  and  rouse  them  ever  to  commend  themselves 
into  thv  hands.  Inspire  them  likewise  with  a  desire 
diligently  to  seek  and  bring  from  the  rich  mine  of  thy 
word  the  treasures  which  make  us  rich  in  thy  sight. 
Hear  us,  O  Lord  our  God,  and  keep  us  all  in  readiness 
to  meet  thee,  how  and  when  it  may  be  thy  pleasure  to 
call  us  from  this  world  of  toil  and  danger  :  through  thy 
^on  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  65 

27.  Prayer  at  the  Laying  of  a  Foundation  Stone 

for  a  New  Church 

Almighty  and  merciful  God,  graciously  grant  thy 
blessing  upon  the  work  whirl)  we  have  now  commenced 
in  this  place  to  thy  glory,  and  suffer  a  sanctuary  to  be 
raised  upon  this  foundation,  wherein  thy  people  may  be 
gathered  together  to  worship  thee,  and  where  they  may 
be  fed  with  thy  living  word  and  grace-giving  sacraments. 
Take  into  thy  graeious  protection  all  who  shall  work  in 
this  place,  and  grant  unto  them  the  spirit  of  godliness, 
that  they  may  accomplish  their  task  in  a  manner  well 
pleasing  to  thee.  Let  no  adversity  hinder  the  progress 
of  the  work.  But  as  we  pray  thee,  O  Lord,  for  thy  help 
in  the  building  of  this  earthly  temple,  so  we  besceeh  thee 
the  more  that  thou  wouldest  thyself  build  up  thy  church 
into  a  spiritual  house,  to  be  a  holy  priesthood  offering 
thee  spiritual  sacrifices,  well  pleasing  to  thee  :  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

28.  Prayer  in  a  Parish  where  Church-building  is 

Proceeding 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thou  who  hast  founded  and 
through  thy  servants  still  buildest  up  thy  spiritual 
Sion  :  Look  graciously  upon  this  work,  which  we  are 
now  doing  in  this  place,  to  build  a  sanctuary  where 
thy  redeemed  will  be  gathered  together  to  hear  thy  word, 
and  partake  of  thy  holy  sacraments,  and  to  worship  and 
praise  thy  holy  name.  Further  our  handiwork,  for 
except  thou  buildest  the  house  their  labour  is  but  lost 
that  build  it.  Preserve  from  harm  and  danger  all  them 
that  are  here  engaged.  Grant  to  thy  congregation 
one  heart  and  one  mind,  and  above  all  things  suffer  the 
temple  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  be  builded  and  stablished 
in  our  hearts,     Amen. 


66  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

29.  Prayer  for  use  at  Watering  Places 

O  heavenly  Father,  God  of  our  health,  thou  that 
sufferest  healing  to  spring  forth  from  the  earth,  to  the 
end  that  thou  mayest  be  praised  in  thy  wonders  :  Look 
mercifully  upon  us  who  in  this  place  seek  the  healing  of 
our  infirmity.  Think  not  upon  our  transgressions,  but 
forgive  us  our  sins.  O  Lord  Jesus,  who  curedst  all 
manner  of  sickness,  show  forth  thy  glorious  power  ever 
upon  us,  that,  if  it  be  thy  will,  we  may  be  made  whole. 
But  whatsoever  thou  sendest,  health  or  sickness,  life  or 
death,  suffer  it  to  promote  thine  honour.  O  Lord  Jesus, 
be  unto  us  a  healing  stream  of  living  water  springing 
up  unto  eternal  life,  and  gather  us  at  last  into  that  city 
where  death  shall  be  no  more,  neither  weeping,  nor 
crying,  nor  pain,  for  the  former  things  have  passed 
away.  Heal  us,  O  Lord,  and  we  shall  be  healed.  Help 
thou  us  and  we  shall  be  hoi  pen.     Amen. 


CHAPTER    III 

PRAYERS   IN    ACCORDANCE   WITH   THE   PRAYER 
BOOK   BEFORE   1894 

I.  The  Litany  (see  p.  46) 
2.  Prayer  for  Advent  Sunday 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  living  Son  of  God,  who  earnest 
in  righteousness  to  be  the  helper  of  Israel,  and  thus  yet 
comest  to  thy  Church  in  the  word  and  the  holy  sacra- 
ments. We  give  thee  most  hearty  thanks  for  this  thy 
grace  and  pray  :  Let  the  gates  be  wide  and  the  doors 
high  in  the  world,  that  thou,  the  king  of  glory,  may 
enter  therein.  Come  likewise  to  us,  O  Lord,  come  with  a 
year  of  the  Lord's  grace.  Come  to  proclaim  the  gospel 
to  the  poor,  to  heal  the  broken  hearts,  to  preach  liberty 
to  the  captives,  and  sight  to  the  blind,  and  deliverance 
to  them  that  are  bruised.  Prepare  our  hearts  for  thee, 
that  we  may  ever  come  before  thy  holy  countenance  with 
praise  and  thanksgiving  and  sing  forth  :  Hosanna,  Son 
of  David,  blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord.  Grant  us  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  we 
may  be  found  stedfast  and  fearless  in  confessing  thee 
before  the  world,  ready  and  willing  to  serve  thee  in  holi- 
ness and  righteousness  all  the  days  of  our  life,  ever 
prepared  to  do  and  suffer  all  things,  give  up  and  renounce 
all  things  that  we  may  promote  thy  kingdom  upon  earth. 
Vouchsafe  unto  us  also  such  grace,  Lord  Jesus,  that  at 
thy  last  coming  we  may  enter  into  the  kingdom  which 
is  prepared  for  the  faithful  from  the  beginning  of  the 
world;  that  we  may  ever  give  thanks  and   laud  and 

67 


68  THE   SWEDISH   KITE 

magnify  thee,  our  faithful  Redeemer,  together  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

3.  Prayer  for  Christmas  Day 

O  merciful,  almighty,  and  loving  Father,  we  give  tin  e 
most  hearty  thanks  and  praise  that  thou  hast  thus 
graciously  fulfilled  thy  promise  to  redeem  fallen  mankind, 
and  on  this  day  suffered  to  be  born  unto  us  a  Saviour, 
who  is  Christ  the  Lord,  in  the  city  of  David.  Our  soul 
doth  mightily  magnify  thee  and  our  spirit  doth  rejoice 
in  thee,  our  Saviour,  for  thou  hast  regarded  our  lowliness 
and  deemed  us  worthy  to  behold,  what  even  the  angels 
desire  to  see,  the  great  secret  of  godliness,  that  God  is 
made  manifest  in  the  flesh,  that  very  God  is  become  very 
man.'  O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  thee  be  the  glory  and  the 
honour  and  the  praise  for  ever  and  ever,  who  hath  so 
ineffably  loved  us  that  thou  wast  born  into  the  world  to 
save  us,  miserable  sinners,  from  everlasting  death  :  that 
thou  hast  humbled  thyself  that  we  might  be  exalted ; 
that  thou  hast  become  our  brother,  that  we  might  become 
heirs  of  God  and  joint-heirs  with  thee.  Come  now  like- 
wise, O  Lord  Jesus,  suffer  thyself  to  be  born  in  our  hearts, 
and  fulfil  them  with  thy  heavenly  treasures.  Thou 
Lord  of  all  Lords,  who  for  our  sakes  didst  become  a  child, 
grant  us  right  childlike  minds.  Thou  who  art  the 
brightness  of  thy  Lather's  glory  and  the  express  image  of 
his  being,  renew  us  into  the  knowledge  and  image  of  him 
who  hath  made  us.  Thou  who  art  thyself  the  light, 
lighten  us  through  this  world  of  darkness.  Thou  who 
art  the  life,  grant  that  we  may  have  life  in  thee.  O 
heavenly  prince  of  peace,  grant  us  thy  peace  and  keep 
us  ever  in  thy  kingdom,  that  we  with  the  hosts  of  heaven 
may  laud  and  magnify  thee  in  thy  glory,  thou  who  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit  livest  and  reignest  for 
yer.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  69 

4.  Prayer  for  New  Year's  Day 
Eternal  and  omnipotent  God,  great  in  faithful] 
unchangeable  in  grace:  Thou  remainest  as  thou  art, 
and  thy  years  have  no  end.  Thou  art  our  Father  and 
our  Redeemer  :  from  everlasting  is  this  thy  Name. 
Thou  didst  send  thine  only-begotten  Son  into  the  world 
and  gave  him  Saviour  for  a  name.  In  this  holy  Name 
we  llv  to  thee  on  the  first  day  of  the  year,  with  praise 
and  thanksgiving,  with  confession  and  prayer.  Praise 
and  thanks  be  to  thee,  O  Lord  Jesus,  who  didst  also 
shew  us  thy  power  and  the  blessing  of  thy  gracions  name 
in  the  year  that  is  past.  Be  thou  even  now  and  for 
evermore  our  Jesus.  Behold,  we  long  after  the  new 
creation,  wherein  thou  shalt  make  all  things  new.  0 
create  in  us  likewise  with  this  new  year  a  new  heart. 
Give  us  a  new  stedfast  spirit  that  all  that  which  is  old 
passeth  away,  and  everything  is  taken  away  that  stands 
against  thee.  Grant  us  first  to  seek  thy  kingdom  and 
thy  righteousness,  in  the  certainty  that  then  all  things 
will  be  added  to  us,  whatever  we  have  need  of  in  this 
life.  In  thy  book  all  our  days  were  written,  when  even 
the  fust  was  not  yet  come.  Into  thy  hands  we  commend 
ourselves,  our  souls  and  bodies  and  all  that  we  are  and 
have.  1  [elp  us,  ()  Lord  Jesus,  and  hear  us  for  thy  Name's 
sake.     Amen. 

5.  Prayer  after  Lent  Sermon 
O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  ineffably  great  was  thy  love 
for  fallen  mankind,  that  thou  becamest  man  lor  our 
sake  and  hast  suffered  shame  and  anguish,  pain  and 
death  for  us  sinners,  who  otherwise  would  have  suffered 
eternal  death.  Give  us  grace  ever  to  recall  to  our  mind 
and  with  faith  receive  this  precious  benefit,  and  therefore 
also  to  praise  thee  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit, 
to  live  a  Christian  life  and  in  all  time  of  need  and  adversity 


7o  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

to  find  comfort  that  thou,  O  Lord  Jesus,  art  our  Saviour 
who  hast  redeemed  us  from  death,  the  devil,  and  hell, 
and  finally  shalt  save  us  from  this  world  of  toil  and  take 
us  unto  thyself  in  the  heavenly  bliss,  where  we  may 
perfect  thy  praise  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

6.  Prayer  for  Good  Friday 

O  Jesu  Christ,  our  Lord  and  our  God,  thou  who  wast 
given  of  the  Father's  discreet  counsel  and  providence: 
We  thank  thee  for  thy  great  love,  thine  ineffable  faithful- 
ness toward  us,  miserable  sinners,  that  thou  for  our  sakes 
didst  humble  thyself  and  become  obedient  unto  death, 
even  the  death  of  the  cross.  We  thank  thee  for  thy 
fathomless  mercy,  which  made  thee  bear  our  sickness  and 
lay  upon  thyself  our  pains,  to  take  the  punishment  upon 
thyself,  that  we  might  have  peace,  and  be  healed  by  thy 
wounds.  O  Lamb  of  God  that  takest  away  the  sins  of 
the  world,  grant  that  the  boundless  might  of  thy  love 
may  remove  the  resistance  and  doubt  of  all  unbelief 
from  our  soul.  Thou  callest  all  that  labour  and  are 
heavy  laden  to  thyself.  We  come  trusting  in  thy  word, 
O  Lord  Jesus.  We  fly  with  all  our  sins  to  thy  cross.  We 
fall  at  its  foot  :  let  us  there  find  rest.  Grant  that  the 
blood  that  floweth  there  may  shed  comfort  and  peace 
in  our  souls.  Thou  faithful  high  priest,  who  hast  made 
us  free  to  enter  into  the  holy  place  through  thy  blood, 
help  us  to  go  forward  with  a  true  heart  in  perfect  faith, 
and  hold  to  the  confession  of  hope  unwaveringly.  Grant 
us  through  the  power  of  thy  death  to  die  unto  sin.  Give 
us  grace  to  take  the  cross  upon  us  and  follow  thee  as  thy 
true  disciples.  O  Lord  Jesus  Christ  help  us  to  perceive 
thy  comfort  and  peace  in  all  strife  and  tribulation.  Help 
us  never  to  lose  thee  from  our  heart,  that  we,  eternally 
united  with  thee,  may  in  thy  heaven  mingle  our  praise 
with  theirs,  who  have  overcome  by  thy  blood.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  7r 

7.  Prayer  for  Easter  Day 
Almighty  God,  heavenly  Father,  all  faithful  Christian 
men  upon  earth  rejoice  with  the  holy  angels  of  heaven 
over  the  victorious  resurrection  of  thy  Son  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.  For  we  heartily  thank  thee,  eternal 
Father,  that  thou  hast  now  through  thy  glory  restored 
to  life  and  raised  from  the  dead  this  thy  beloved  Son, 
who  was  given  of  thy  discreet  counsel  and  providence. 
Vouchsafe  of  thy  fatherly  mercy  the  same  thy  gracious 
blessing  to  benefit  us  more  and  more.  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  thou  prince  of  life,  who  hast  uncovered  the  mighty 
powers  of  darkness,  and  won  a  glorious  victory  over  them 
of  thine  own  self :  make  likewise  by  thy  Spirit  this  thy 
victory  powerful  and  living  in  all  our  souls.  As  thou 
wert  offered  for  our  sins  and  raised  for  our  justification, 
so  give  us  also  grace  in  the  power  of  thy  death  and  resur- 
rection to  die  unto  sin  and  live  unto  righteousness.  Pour 
thy  life  into  us,  that  we  may  live  not  of  ourselves,  but  in 
thee,  who  died  and  rose  again  for  us.  Grant  us  in  all 
need  and  weakness  to  feel  in  our  hearts  the  power  of  thy 
resurrection.  When  the  cross  burdens  us,  when  our 
sins  reproach  us,  and  darkness  draws  round  us,  then  come, 
O  Lord  Jesus,  and  reveal  thyself  in  thy  heavenly  bright- 
ness, comfort  us  with  thy  converse,  and  grant  us  thy 
peace.  Keep  us  in  that  peace  until  the  end,  and  proclaim 
to  us  in  the  hour  of  death  that  thou  art  the  resurrection 
and  the  life,  that  thou  wast  dead,  and  art  alive  from  ever- 
lasting to  everlasting,  and  hast  the  keys  of  hell  and  of 
death.  Finally,  in  the  great  day  of  thy  returning  suffer 
our  bodies  to  be  made  alive  in  thee,  and  be  made  like 
unto  thy  glorified  body.  And  give  us  men  the  everlasting 
Easter  joy,  when  death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory,  and 
we  with  all  thy  elect  saints  in  the  Church  Triumphant  sing 
unceasingly  before  thee  :  "  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  hath 
given  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 
Amen. 


72  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

8.  Prayer  on  Ascension  Day 

O  Holy  Saviour,  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  thy  great  work  of 
redemption  is  finished  on  earth.  Thou  hast  entered 
into  thine  eternal  kingdom.  The  hosts  of  heaven  are 
singing  thy  praise.  Let  us,  thy  redeemed  ones,  praise 
and  worship  thee.  O  Lord  Jesus,  we  heartily  thank  thee 
for  thy  love,  for  all  that  thou  hast  achieved  and  suffered 
in  thy  pilgrimage  here  upon  earth  to  prepare  us  the  way 
to  heaven.  Thou  art  raised  above  all  heavens  :  look  in 
mercy  upon  us  who  yet  are  strangers  upon  earth.  Thou 
art  ascended  to  the  throne  of  thy  glory  :  bring  us  all 
to  thee  in  thy  kingdom.  Thou  art  set  as  the  head  of  the 
church:  give  her  thy  riches  through  thy  Spirit,  thai 
thou  rriayest  fill  all  in  all.  Thou  hast  promised  to  be  with 
thy  faithful  people  all  the  days  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 
Merciful  Pitier,  fulfil  this  thy  promise  upon  us.  Be  with 
us  in  life,  be  with  us  in  death.  And  when  thou  comesi 
in  thy  majesty  to  judge  the  round  world  in  equity,  grant 
us  to  enter  into  thine  eternal  kingdom  among  the  blessed 
of  the  Father,  which  thou  hast  prepared  for  us,  that  we 
may  be  near  thee  there,  gladdened  with  thy  glory  and 
sing  thy  praise.     Amen. 

9.  Prayer  ox  Whitsunday 
O  God,  who  at  the  first  Christian  Pentecost  didst  so 
graciously  and  richly  endue  the  hearts  of  the  faithful  with 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  founded  thereby  thy  holy  Church 
upon  earth  :  Pour  out  this  thy  spirit  likewise  upon  us  and 
upon  all  mankind.  Remember  thy  people  and  refresh 
thine  inheritance.  Come,  Holy  Spirit,  and  set  the 
congregation  of  the  faithful  before  the  Lord  in  holy 
adornment.  Endue  her  henceforth  and  for  ever  with 
thy  manifold  riches,  that  we  may  with  new  tongues 
[naise  and  extol  the  great  and  excellent  works  of  God, 
which  are  done  through  Jesus  Christ.     0  thou  spirit  of 


PRAYERS  73 

grace,  who  workest  all  in  all  after  thy  good  pleasure  : 
fill  our  hearts  with  all  spiritual  blessing.  Seal  in  us  the 
love  of  the  Father,  the  grace  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  forgive- 
ness of  sins  and  all  the  comfortable  words  of  God,  which 
arc  Yea  and  Amen  in  Christ  Jesus,  that  they  may  also  be 
Yea  and  Amen  in  our  hearts.  Grant  us  therewith  to 
receive  a  right  childlike  mind,  and  to  be  fulfilled  in  mind, 
as  was  Jesus  Christ,  with  the  fruit  of  all  righteousness. 
Unite  our  hearts  in  the  bond  of  peace,  that  we  may  live 
together  one  with  another  in  meekness  and  concord, 
forbearing  one  another  in  love.  Give  us  patience  in 
the  time  of  trial  and  affliction  and  constancy  unto  the 
end.  Comfort  us  in  all  need  and  sorrow  and  turn  our 
anguish  into  joy.  Awaken  our  hearts  to  unfeigned 
prayer,  and  invocation,  that  nothing  doubting  we  may 
lift  up  holy  hands  unto  God  :  and  when  we  know  not 
how  we  ought  to  pray,  plead  thou  our  cause  with  groan- 
ings  that  cannot  be  uttered.  Strengthen  the  weak, 
raise  up  them  that  fall,  bring  again  them  that  are  gone 
out  of  the  way,  and  uphold  us  all  with  thy  mighty  aid. 
Come,  Holy  Spirit,  and  be  our  light  in  the  midst  of  dark- 
ness, our  health  in  life,  our  solace  in  death,  and  bring  us 
finally  into  eternal  glory,  where  with  heavenly  tongues 
we  may  praise  and  magnify  thee  with  the  Father  and 
his  Son,  our  Saviour  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

10.  Prayer  on  Holy  Trinity  Sunday 

O  holy  Triune  God,  we  praise  thee,  we  give  thanks  to 
thee  and  we  worship  thee,  who  in  thy  gracious  mani- 
festation hath  made  thyself  known  to  us,  as  thou  art 
in  thine  eternal  deity,  and  by  baptism  in  the  threefold 
name  hath  adopted  us  as  children  of  thy  grace,  and 
suffered  us  to  be  born  again  into  everlasting  life.  0 
thou  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  eternal  love  and 
mercy :  praised  and  blessed  be  thou  for  ever,  thou  who 

G 


74  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

art  the  true  Father  above  all  that  is  called  Father  in 
heaven  and  earth.  O  thou  Saviour,  rich  in  mercy,  the 
only-begotten  Son  of  the  Father,  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
thou  our  wisdom  and  our  righteousness,  our  sanctifica- 
tion  and  our  redemption :  to  thee  be  eternal  praise 
and  honour  and  glory  and  thanksgiving,  that  thou  for 
our  sakes  didst  become  man  and  wast  given  for  our  sins 
and  raised  for  our  justification.  O  thou  Holy  Spirit, 
Spirit  of  the  Father  and  of  the  Son,  Spirit  of  truth 
and  adoption  and  prayer,  our  solace  and  our  peace, 
our  joy  and  our  strength  :  to  thee  be  glory  and  honour 
and  thanksgiving  for  all  the  grace  wherewith  thou 
transfigurest  and  strengthenest  and  preservest  the  hearts 
of  faithful  Christians.  O  Triune  God,  come  to  us  and 
make  unto  thyself  an  abiding  place  in  our  hearts. 
Create  in  us  by  the  grace  of  regeneration  a  firm  faith 
and  a  living  hope,  that  we  may  love  thee  above  all  things, 
keep  to  thy  word,  and  walk  in  thy  truth.  Grant  us  one 
day  to  perfect  our  praise  and  with  thy  Seraphim  and 
the  spirits  of  all  the  saints  to  sing  before  thy  throne 
the  eternal  hymn  of  praise  :  "  Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord 
God  of  Sabaoth.  Amen.  Blessing  and  glory  and 
wisdom  and  thanksgiving  and  honour  and  power  and 
might  be  unto  our  God  for  ever  and  ever."     Amen. 

ii.  Prayer  after  a  Catechising  Sermon 

Almighty  and  merciful  God  :  Grant  us  grace  that  we 
may  grow  daily  in  fellowship  with  thee  by  thy  word, 
and  so  learn  the  better  to  serve  and  worship  thee  in  true 
faith  and  obedience,  and  to  guard  against  all  sins  and 
errors.  0  God,  sanctify  thy  Church  :  strengthen  and 
uphold  it  :  grant  it  to  increase  more  and  more  that  it 
may  here  worship  and  serve  and  give  thanks  and  praise 
to  thee  in  true  godliness  and  hereafter  perfect  thy  praise 
in  eternity  :    through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  75 

12.  Prayer  for  Children  who  are  being  prepared 
for  their  First  Reception  of  the  Holy  Com- 
munion of  the  Lord 

Great  God,  Father  of  love,  thou  who  hast  already 
adopted  these  children,  now  being  prepared  for  their 
first  communon,  among  thy  confessors,  through  baptism  : 
Grant  that  during  this  time  of  preparation  they  may 
learn  rightly  to  understand  the  grace  which  thou  in 
the  laver  of  regeneration  hast  richly  poured  out  upon 
them.  Open  and  move  their  hearts,  that  they  may 
receive  thy  salvation  in  penitence  and  faith.  And  on 
the  day  [this  day]  l  that  they  shall  themselves  make 
their  confession  before  thee  and  thy  congregation,  grant 
them  thereunto  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  in  their 
souls,  that  they  may  be  worthy  partakers  at  the  table 
of  Jesus,  and  then  ever  after  persevere  stedfastly  unto 
the  end  in  the  confession  and  practice  of  their  Christian 
faith  :    through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

13.  Prayer  for  the  Fruits  of  the  Earth 

Almighty  God,  merciful  Father,  who  of  thy  great 
goodness  dost  replenish  the  earth  with  divers  fruits 
to  be  the  food  of  man  and  beast :  We  beseech  thee  that 
thou  wilt  in  thy  fatherly  mercy  graciously  bless  our 
dear  fatherland  with  corn  and  grain.  Grant  seasonable 
weather  for  the  harvest  of  the.  earth — and  preserve  it 
from  all  that  may  hurt  it.  Crown  the  year  with  thy 
goodness.  Preserve  us,  O  God,  from  years  of  barren- 
ness, from  famine,  and  dearness  of  living,  and  look  upon 
us  in  thy  mercy.  We  confess  our  sins  before  thee  : 
be  gracious  unto  thy  people,  and  leave  us  not,  but  bless 
us  with  all  that  thou  hast  ordained  for  our  sustenance ; 
and  give  us  grace  rightly  to  use  the  same  to  the  praise 

1  On  the  day  when  the  children  are  confirmed,  the  words  "  this 
day  "  are  used,  ;   otherwise  the  words  "  one  day." 


76  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

and  honour  of  thy  Holy  Name  :  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

14.  Prayer  for  the  Sick 
Omnipotent  and  everlasting  God,  the  strength  of 
them  that  are  weak,  the  health  of  them  that  trust  in 
thee :  We  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  in  thy  mercy 
look  upon  the  sick  and  the  needy,  for  whom  we  now 
invoke  thy  mighty  aid.  Turn  their  distress  to  their 
good,  and  if  it  be  thy  will  send  them  their  health  again. 
But  above  all  give  them  the  medicine  of  the  soul  through 
thy  holy  word,  and  help  them  in  remembrance  of  the 
bitter  passion  of  thy  Son  patiently  to  bear  the  burden 
which  thou  hast  put  upon  them,  and  when  their  hour 
is  at  hand,  deliver  them  from  all  evil  and  bring  them 
safely  to  thy  heavenly  kingdom  :  through  thy  Son, 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

15.  Thanksgiving  for  those  restored  to  Health 

O  merciful  God,  thou  who  art  the  Lord  of  life  and 
death  :  We  give  thee  thanks  that  thou  in  thy  great 
mercy  hast  suffered  them  to  live  whom  thou  hast 
visited  with  sickness.  Grant  them  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
to  use  the  time  of  grace,  which  thou  hast  vouchsafed 
them,  to  their  eternal  salvation  :  and  that  they  may 
with  true  thankfulness  for  this  thy  blessing  laud  and 
magnify  thy  Holy  Name  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

16.  Prayer  for  Parliament 
We  beseech  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  the  parliament 
of  this  realm  at  this  time  assembled  together  :  that  thou 
wouldest  give  them  thy  blessing,  that  all  things  may 
be  settled  in  goodly  union,  concord,  and  love  to  the 
honour  and  glory  of  thy  name,  and  the  welfare,  peace 
and  prosperity  of  them  that  are  set  in  beloved  authority 


PRAYERS  77 

over  us  and  the  fatherland,  and  tli.it  thou  wilt  preserve 
us  from  a\\  adversity  and  destruction.  O  God,  graciously 
hear  the  prayer  of  thy  people.     Amen. 

17.  Thanksgiving  after  a  Session  of  Parliament 
Eternal  God,  heavenly  Father,  strong  in  grace  and 

mighty  in  works.  We  most  heartily  thank  thee  that 
thou  hast  in  mercy  and  grace  held  thy  protecting  hand 
over  the  common  court  of  parliament  now  closed.  We 
praise  and  magnify  thee  alone  for  all  right  intents, 
good  counsel,  and  profitable  decisions.  Whatsoever 
men  have  neglected  or  left  undone,  do  thou  graciouslv 
forgive  and  set  aright,  We  beseech  thee,  preserve  and 
uphold  in  health  and  power  them  that  have  been 
assembled  together,  and  grant  them  each  and  all  to  find 
happiness  and  peace  in  their  homes,  whither  they  return. 
Suffer  us  all  to  walk  in  the  fear  of  thee,  that  we  may 
learn  the  power  of  thy  help,  and  grant  that  honour  may 
dwell  in  our  land  and  goodness  and  faithfulness  meet 
together.  Be  with  us,  O  Lord,  as  thou  hast  been  with 
our  fathers,  to  the  praise  and  honour  of  thy  Holy  Name, 
through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

18.  Prayer  for  the  General  Church  Congress 
O  merciful  God,  dear  heavenly  Father,  who  through 

thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  established  thy  Church  upon 
earth  and  also  amongst  our  people  graciously  sustainest 
it.  We  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  grant  thy  blessing 
unto  them  that  are  at  this  time  assembled  together  to 
confer  on  the  affairs  of  the  Church,  and  fulfil  them  with 
the  spirit  of  thy  wisdom  and  fear,  thy  grace  and  strength t 
thy  peace  and  love,  that  all  their  consultations  may 
issue  in  the  advancement  of  thy  glory  and  the  edifying 
of  thy  kingdom  in  our  midst  :  0  God,  graciously  hear 
the  prayer  of  thy  people.     Amen. 


78  THE  SWEDISH   RITE 

ig.  Prayer  for  Missions 
Almighty  God,  Father  of  love,  thou  who  gavest  thine 
only-begotten  Son,  that  the  world  might  be  blessed 
through  him  :  We  beseech  thee  look  in  mercy  and  pity 
upon  them  that  are  yet  sitting  in  darkness  and  the 
shadow  of  death.  Kindle  in  our  hearts  a  burning  love 
toward  thee,  that  according  to  thy  will  we  may  earnestly 
desire  the  conversion  of  the  heathen.  O  thou  Lord  of 
the  harvest,  send  forth  labourers  into  thy  great  harvest. 
Strengthen  and  bless  all  them  that  do  faithful  work  for 
the  extension  of  thy  kingdom.  May  the  light  of  the 
gospel  soon  lighten  all  the  round  world,  that  thy  Name 
may  be  glorified  from  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the 
setting  of  the  same,  and  grant  unto  us  that  we  with  the 
countless  hosts  of  all  heathen  and  kindreds  and  peoples 
and  tongues  may  give  thee  thanks  and  praise  for  ever 
in  thy  great  glory.  Hear  our  prayer  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake.     Amen. 

20.  Prayer  in  Time  of  War 
O  Lord,  almighty  God,  eternal  Father,  we  beseech 
thee,  hear  our  prayers  and  manifest  thy  grace  unto  us. 
Pardon  us  that  we  have  in  manifold  ways  sinfully  mis- 
used the  blessing  of  peace,  which  thou  hast  granted  our 
land.  Deliver  us  from  all  threatening  need  of  war. 
Protect,  uphold  and  succour  all  them  who  in  defence  of 
their  native  country  go  to  meet  dangers  and  death. 
Without  thy  help,  O  Lord,  the  wisdom  and  power  of 
man  is  naught.  Thou  alone  exaltest  the  humble  on 
high,  and  strikest  down  the  proud  to  the  dust.  We 
raise  the  standard  in  thy  Name  and  in  thy  Name  do  we 
put  our  trust.  Be  our  support,  O  God  of  armies,  and 
grant  us  the  victory,  that  we  being  delivered  out  of  the 
hand  of  our  enemies,  may  in  the  tranquil  time  of  peace 


PRAYERS  79 

render  unto  thee  unbroken  praise  for  the  fruits  of  peace. 
Hear  us,  merciful  Cod  and  Father,  for  thy  Son  our 
Saviour's  sake.     Amen. 


21.  Another 

()  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  heavenly  Prince  of  Peace,  who 
hast  purchased  for  us  spiritual  peace,  for  which  be  praise 
unto  thee  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit  for  ever  : 
Thou  hast  likewise  hitherto  given  us  earthly  peace, 
which  we  have  not  received  in  the  right  spirit  at  all 
times,  but  often  have  misused  it  in  our  security.  There- 
fore hast  thou  righteously  visited  us  with  war  and  strife. 
Forgive  us,  O  Lord,  our  ingratitude  and  all  our  sins. 
Turn  away  from  us  the  terrors  and  havoc  of  war.  Have 
pity  on  us,  thy  distressed  children.  Thou  art  the 
helper  in  need  :  deliver  us  from  all  our  distress.  Hear 
our  prayer  and  look  upon  us  in  thy  mercy.  Give  us 
peace  in  our  time,  that  we  may  serve  thee  here  undis- 
turbedly in  true  fear,  and  after  this  life  laud  and  magnify 
thee  ceaselessly  in  the  dwellings  of  eternal  peace. 
Amen. 

22.  Prayer  on  the  Field  of  Battle 
O  thou  great  God  of  hosts,  thou  who  forsakest  not 
them  that  put  their  trust  in  thee,  thou  art  our  shield 
and  our  stronghold.  Thou  hast  of  old  guarded  and 
preserved  us,  for  our  own  sword  and  our  own  arm  could 
not  help  us,  but  thy  right  hand  keepeth  the  victory, 
and  none  can  withstand  thy  power.  In  thee  we  place 
all  our  hope,  and  unto  thee  is  our  prayer  for  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ's  sake,  that  thou  wouldest  not  punish  us, 
apostate  children,  as  we  have  deserved  by  our  sins,  but 
that  thou  wilt  enfold  us  with  thy  godly  protection. 
Give  our  hearts  concord,  obedience,  and  courage,  and 


So  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

strengthen  ns  with  thy  Holy  Spirit.  If  it  be  thy  will, 
that  our  life-blood  shall  be  spilled,  may  it  be  so  in  the 
faith  of  the  only  innoeent  blood,  shed  for  our  sake,  and 
grant  us  in  the  comfort  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  belong  unto 
thee  alone,  whether  we  live  or  die.  Protect  and  preserve 
our  dear  fatherland,  that  the  children  of  the  country 
may  serve  thee  in  peace  and  rest,  in  a  true  fear,  in 
holiness  and  righteousness  and  laud  and  magnify  thy 
Holy  Name  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

23.  Prayer  in  Times  of  Dearth  and  Famine 

Almighty  and  gracious  God,  who  sufferest  all  things 
to  spring  from  the  earth,  for  the  support  and  nourish- 
ment of  both  man  and  beast :  We  have  turned  away 
from  us  thy  blessing  through  our  sins,  so  that  the  people 
languisheth  with  hunger,  O  Lord  our  God,  look  upon 
our  need.  Behold  how  the  little  innocent  children, 
yea  and  the  dumb  animals,  suffer  with  us.  Lighten 
this  punishment,  O  Lord,  in  thy  mercy,  that  we  despair 
not  nor  faint.  Give  us  patience.  Grant  a  blessing 
upon  our  small  provision.  Bless  the  earth  again  with 
fruitfulness,  grant  seasonable  weather,  give  us  sufficient 
for  our  need,  and  grant  us  grace,  hereafter,  ever  to  use 
thy  gifts  with  thankfulness  and  moderation.  Give  us 
also  with  our  daily  bread  food  for  the  soul,  that  we  may 
praise  thee  both  now  and  for  evermore  :  through  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

24.  Prayer  in  Times  of  Infectious  Sickness 

O  everlasting,  righteous  God  :  We  fall  down  before 
thee  and  confess  our  sin  with  contrite  hearts.  We 
confess  that  we  have  righteously  deserved  this  affliction, 
which  thou  hast  visited  upon  us  with  a  sore  and  infec- 


PRAYERS  Si 

tious  pestilence.  By  our  misdeeds  have  we  brought  this 
punishment  upon  our  heads.  But  we  invoke  thy  pity: 
be  merciful  unto  us.  Spare  us,  O  Lord.  Deal  not  with 
us  after  our  sins,  neither  reward  us  after  our  misdeeds. 
Save  us  from  the  plague  that  scattereth  terror  and 
mourning  and  sorrow  among  us.  Help  us  for  thy 
mercy's  sake.  But  if  through  this  sickness  we  are  saved 
from  a  greater  desolation,  thy  will,  ()  Lord,  be  done, 
and  let  us  bear  thy  discipline  in  patience.  We  give 
ourselves  into  thy  hands,  for  thy  mercy  is  great.  Thou 
art  our  Father  and  our  Saviour  :  this  hath  been  thy 
name  ever  of  old.  Give  us  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  neither  death  nor  life  may  sever  us  from  thy  love 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.     Amen. 

25.  Prayer  for  the  Desolate  and  Oppressed 

Almighty,  merciful  God,  the  comfort  of  them  that  arc 
desolate,  and  the  strength  of  them  that  are  weak  : 
Grant  that  the  prayer  of  all  them  that  are  sighing  in 
grief  and  call  upon  thee  may  ascend  before  thy  counten- 
ance, that  they  may  perceive  thy  grace  and  help  in  the 
needful  time  of  trouble  :  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

26.  Prayer  to  be  used  at  a  Service  at  Sea 

O  Lord,  almighty  God  and  merciful  Father  :  We  praise 
thee  that  thou  hast  hitherto  mercifully  led  us  over  the 
deep.  Let  thy  fatherly  protection  be  with  us  henceforth. 
Behold,  we  float  between  heaven  and  the  sea,  and  but  a 
feeble  plank  separates  us  from  death.  But  thou  art 
almighty  :  thou  canst  give  strength  to  our  ship  and 
help  us  unto  the  haven  where  we  would  be.  Extend 
to  us  thy  great  mercy.  The  winds  are  thy  servants  : 
thou  makest  us  a  path  in  the  sea  and  a  safe  course 


82  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

through  the  midst  of  the  waves.  0  give  us,  if  it  be 
thy  gracious  will,  a  favouring  wind  and  a  prosperous 
voyage.  Grant  good  understanding,  health,  and  strength 
to  them  who  command  the  ship.  Come,  merciful 
Saviour,  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  be  with  us  thyself,  as 
thou  wast  of  old  with  the  disciples  in  the  ship  :  give  us 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  have  thy  word  con- 
tinually before  our  eyes  and  call  upon  thee  with  burn- 
ing hearts  and  in  all  time  of  necessity  and  danger  that 
may  arise,  trust  in  stedfast  faith  that  thou  canst  rebuke 
the  winds  and  the  waves.  And  when  in  the  counsel 
of  thy  wisdom  and  love  sooner  or  later  we  shall  pass 
along  that  way,  from  which  there  is  no  returning,  be 
with  us  to  comfort  us  again  in  the  agony  of  death  and 
bring  us  in  a  blessed  hour  from  the  roaring  sea  of  this 
world  to  the  right  blessed  shore.     Amen. 

27.  Prayer  for  Seafarers 

We  pray  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  those  who  live 
on  the  perilous  sea,  that  thou  wilt  enfold  them  all  with 
thy  gracious  protection.  Inspire  their  hearts  with  a 
real  trust  in  thee.  Thou  hast  said  :  He  that  believeth 
shall  not  be  afraid.  Protect  them  in  all  danger.  O  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  thy  first  disciples  cried  out  to  thee  in  the 
storm,  "Lord,  save  us,  we  perish,"  and  thou  didst 
rebuke  the  winds  and  say  to  the  waves  :  Peace,  be 
still.  So  likewise  may  these  when  they  fly  to  thee  in 
need  perceive  whom  he  is  that  even  the  winds  and  the 
waves  obey.  Grant  them  success  in  those  undertakings, 
which  please  thee,  and  after  their  journey's  end  to  return 
safely  to  their  loved  ones,  and  joyfully  praise  thy  Holy 
Name,  thou  Saviour  in  all  time  of  need.  Receive  us  all 
at  last  into  the  only  safe  haven.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  83 

28.  Prayer  for  Fishermen 
O  merciful  God,  heavenly  Father,  thou  who  satisfiest 
every  living  thing  for  thy  pleasure,  and  givest  us  miser- 
able sinners  our  daily  bread  for  thy  Son's  sake,  bless, 
too,  their  handicraft,  who  out  on  the  sea  seek  their 
livelihood  and  that  of  their  kinsfolk.  Thou  didst  suffer 
thy  dear  Son  when  he  was  upon  earth  to  choose  poor 
fishermen  to  be  his  apostles  :  give  grace  that  they  also 
who  put  out  from  these  shores  may  strive  to  become 
and  remain  his  disciples.  Preserve  them  from  danger 
and  all  evil :  and  when  they  call  to  thee  out  of  the 
depth  of  need,  0  Lord,  hear  their  prayer.  O  Lord, 
lead  them  in  thy  counsel,  that  they  may  give  thanks 
and  praise  to  thy  holy  name  for  thy  wondrous  blessing 
and  care  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

29.  Prayer  for  Use  in  Parishes  where  Mines 
are  situated 

We  thank  thee,  merciful  God,  for  the  treasures  and 
the  blessing  which  thou  hast  mercifully  provided  in 
this  place  out  of  the  depths  of  the  earth  and  the  hard 
rock.  We  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  increase  our 
store,  bless  and  preserve  these  precious  gifts,  and  grant 
us  grace  to  use  them  thankfully,  to  the  honour  of  thy 
Holy  Name.  Vouchsafe,  merciful  God,  to  endue  with 
wisdom,  counsel,  and  power  all  those  who  have  charge 
over  these  mines,  that  they  may  govern  wisely  and  fulfil 
their  appointed  tasks.  Preserve  from  harm  and  danger 
all  them  that  work  in  the  deep  chambers  of  the  earth, 
and  give  them  grace  to  keep  thee  ever  before  their 
eyes,  to  commend  themselves,  their  souls  and  bodies, 
into  thy  hands,  ever  to  remember  the  danger  that 
compasses  them  about,  and  if  so  be  any  deadly  thing 


84  THE  SWEDISH   RITE 

come  upon  them,  to  be  indeed  ready  to  make  a  blessed 
departure  hence:  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


30.  Prayer  in  a  Parish  where  Ciiurchbuilding 

is  Proceeding 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thou  who  hast  founded  and 
through  thy  servants  still  buildest  up  the  spiritual  Sion. 
Look  in  mercy  upon  the  work,  which  is  being  done  in 
this  place,  to  build  up  a  sanctuary  where  thy  redeemed 
will  be  gathered  together  to  hear  thy  word,  and  partake 
of  thy  holy  sacraments,  and  to  praise  God  in  singleness 
of  heart.  Further  our  handiwork,  for  except  thou 
buildest  the  house,  their  labour  is  but  lost  that  build  it. 
Preserve  from  harm  and  danger  all  them,  who  take  part 
in  the  work.  Grant  to  thy  congregation  a  single  heart 
and  mind,  and  above  all  things  help  us  that  the  temple 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit  may  be  builded  and  stablished  in  our 
hearts.     Amen. 

31.  Prayer  tor  Use  at  Watering  Places  at  the 

Public  Service  and  Hours  of  Prayer 

Heavenly  Father,  God  of  our  health,  thou  who 
sufferest  healing  waters  to  rise  and  spring  out  of  the  earth 
that  thou  mayest  be  praised  in  thy  wonders :  Look  in 
mercy  upon  us  who  here  seek  a  Bethesda  for  the  healing 
of  our  ills.  It  is  for  our  wickedness  that  we  arc  thus 
tormented,  and  for  our  disobedience  that  we  are  chas- 
tised. But  think  not  on  our  sins  and  remember  not 
our  transgressions.  O  Jesu  Christ,  thou  who  didst 
cure  all  manner  of  sickness  and  disease,  shew  forth 
thy  glorious  power  even  upon  us,  that  we  may  be 
healed.     Yet  not  our  will    but    thine  be  done.      Thou 


PRAYERS  85 

knowest  what  is  best  and  profitable  for  us.  Grant  that 
whatsoever  thou  sendest,  health  or  sickness,  life  or 
death,  all  may  promote  thine  honour.  Bring  us  to  the 
spiritual  Bethesda,  where  the  diseases  of  souls  are  cured 
and  die  wounds  of  sin  are  healed.  Be  in  us,  O  Lord 
Jesus,  a  living  source  of  health  with  springing  water 
unto  eternal  life,  that  we  may  at  last  be  all  gathered 
graciously  into  that  city,  where  death  shall  be  no  more, 
nor  weeping  nor  crying  nor  pain,  for  the  former  things 
are  passed  away.  Heal  us,  ()  Lord,  and  we  shall  be 
healed.     Help  us,  and  we  shall  be  holpen.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  IV 


BAPTISM 


[The  present  office  may  be  compared  with  the  medieval  and 
early  reformed  offices  thus : — 


Breviarium  Scarense,  1498. 

(1)  Godparents      bring      the 

child  to  the  church 
door. 

(2)  Exsufflatio,  breathing   on 

child's  face:  prayer: 
"  Fly,  unclean  spirit." 

(3)  Sign  of  Cross  on  face  and 

breast . 

(4)  Salutation. 

(5)  Laying  on  of  hands  and 

prayers  for  revelation 
of  truth  and  for  the 
seal  of  adoption. 

(6)  Exorcism  of  salt. 

(7)  Salt     placed     in     child's 

mouth. 

(8)  Prayers  of  exorcism. 
(q)   Salutation. 

(10)  Gospel:    Mark  x.  13-16. 

(11)  Lord's  Prayer. 

(12)  Ave  Maria,  Creed. 

(13)  Prayer  and  Salivation  on 

left  hand,  placing  the 
thumb  on  right  ear, 
with  the  command 
Elfeta  (Be  thou  open, 
on  nose  and  left  ear. 

(14)  Priest  takes  child's  right 

hand  :  "I  give  thee  the 
sign  of  faith." 


Olaus   Petri's   Handbok,    1529. 

(1)  Godparents      bring      the 

child     to     the     church 
door. 

(2)  Prayer:      "  Fly,    unclean 

spirit." 

(3)  Sign  of  Cross  on  face  and 

breast. 

(4) 

(5)  Laying  on  of  hands  and 
prayers  for  revelation 
of  truth  and  for  the 
seal  of  adoption. 

(6) 

(7)  Salt     placed     in     child's 

mouth. 

(8)  Prayers  of  exorcism. 

(9) 

(10)  Gospel :    Mark  x.  13-16. 

(11)  Imposition  of  Hands  and 

L.P. 

(12) 

(13) 


(M) 


86 


BAPTISM 


87 


lU'cviarium  Scarense,  1498. 

(15)   The  child  is  brought  into 

church. 
(11.)   I  fndressing  of  child, 
(i  7)   Renunciation  of  the  devil. 

(18)  Anointing   on   breast    and 

between  shoulders. 

(19)  Question  :      "  Dost    thou 

believe  .   .   .  ?  " 

(20)  Question  :      "  Wilt     thou 

be  baptized   .   .   .  ?  " 

(21)  Threefold  immersion  and 

baptism     in     threefold 
name. 

(22)  Prayer. 

(23)  Anointing    of    head    with 
chrism. 


(24)  Putting  on  of  Chrisom . 


Olaus  Patri's  Havdbok,  1529. 


(25)  Lighted  candle  placed  in 
the  child's  hand. 


(15) 

The  child  is  brought  into 

church. 

(16) 

(17) 

Renunciation  of  the  devil. 

(IX) 

Anointing  <>n   breast   and 

between  shoulders. 

(19) 

Question  :      "  Dost     thou 

believe   .  .  .  ?  " 

(20) 

Question  :      "  Wilt     thou 

be  baptized  .   .   .  ?  " 

(21) 

Threefold  immersion  and 

baptism     in     threefold 

name. 

(77\ 

(23)  Anointing    of    head    with 

chrism  (prepared  on 
Skartorsdag  for  the 
year;  hence  Skyrtbarn, 
skiaring.) 

(24)  Putting  on  of  Chrisom,  a 

white  robe,  symbolic  of 
angelic  life.  This  robe 
was  offered  to  the 
church  by  the  mother 
at  her  churching  :  but 
a  babe  that  died  before 
that  was  buried  in  it. 

(25)  Lighted  candle  placed  in 

the  child's  hand  (survi- 
val of  vigils),  indicating 
that  the  child  awaits 
the  bridegroom  in  the 
nuptials  of  Christ  with 
his  church. 


(26)  Benediction. 

(27)  Manuale     Aboense     adds 

admonition  to  god- 
parents to  teach  the 
child  Pater  noster  and 
Credo,  and  to  parents 
to  preserve  it  from 
danger  of  fire  and  water 
until  its  seventh  year. 


(26) 

(27) 


E.  E.  Y. 


Note. — Archbishop  Soderblom  writes  of  his  diocese  (1915)  : 
"  Baptism  by  laymen  is  decreasing,  and  tends  on  the  whole  to 


88  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

disappear.  The  old  fonts  to  be  found  in  many  churches  record 
the  ^ood  Church  custom  of  admitting  small  children  into  God's 
House. 

"  Baptisms  in  homes  and  vicarages  have  nevertheless  been 
widely  prevalent,  except  in  a  number  of  towns  and  parishes 
with  well-warmed  churches.  In  132  churches  baptism  is  scarcely 
ever  administered.  In  115,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  either  the 
rule  or  the  occasional  custom.  The  tradition  of  the  locality, 
as  much  as  local  conditions,  plays  a  part  in  Ihis.  The  efforts 
of  individual  priests  can  effect  much.  Seeing  that  many  towns 
practise  the  habit  of  baptism  in  church,  it  can  scarcely  be 
an  impossibility  elsewhere.  In  sonic  parishes  baptism  before 
the  mass  has  been  enriched  with  a  liturgical  setting  of  Gloria 
Patri."] 


i.  Infant  Baptism 

Before  the  baptism  takes  place,  the  priest  should  ascer- 
tain to  whom  the  child  belongs,  when  this  is  not  otherwise 
known  to  him  ;  whether  the  child  is  already  baptized  or  not, 
and  what  name  it  is  to  have.     Then  lie  commences  thus  : 

In  the  Name  of  God  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Dear  Christian  people  :  We  know  from  God's  Word 
that  all  men  are  born  in  sin,  but  we  know  likewise  that 
Jesus  Christ  hath  come  into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 
Seeing  then  that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  testified 
and  said  :  "  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot 
see  the  kingdom  of  God"  (John  iii.  5),  it  is  our  will 
according  to  his  commandment 1  to  adopt  this  child 
[these  children]  into  the  Christian  church  through  the 
laver  of  regeneration,  praying  heartily,  that  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  will  graciously  receive  him  [her  or  them] 
and  vouchsafe  unto  him  [her  or  them]  the  power  of 
his  Holy  Spirit  unto  a  living  faith  and  true  godliness. 
To  this  end  may  God  give  his  blessing  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake.     Amen. 

1  At  a  foundling" s  baptism,  insert  here  the  ivords  "  since  it  is 
uncertain  whether  this  child  hath  received  Holy  Baptism." 


BAPTISM  89 

Then  the  priest  says: 

Lift  up  your  hearts  to  God. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  himself  instituted  holy 
baptism,  when  he  said  to  his  disciples  : 

"  All  power  is  given  unto  me,"  etc.  (S.  Matt,  xxviii. 
18-20). 

Hear  now  likewise  the  holy  and  comfortable  gospel, 
which  is  road  according  to  the  evangelist  Mark  : 

'  They  brought  young  children  to  him,  that  he  should 
touch  them,"  etc.  (Mark  x.  13-16). 

Then  the  priest  lays  his  hand  on  the  child's  head  and 
prays  :  1 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  priest  continues  to  pray  : 

May  the  Lord  God,  the  eternally  merciful,  who  alone 
delivereth  from  all  evil,  and  who  hath  graciously  called 
thee  [you]  to  be  partaker[s]  of  the  light  through  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  save  thee  [you]  from  the  power 
of  darkness  and  keep  thee  [you]  in  his  truth  and  fear, 
now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 

Let  us  hear  the  Christian  faith  which  we  confess,  and 
into  which  this  [these]  child  [children]  is  [are]  to  be 
baptized  : 

I   believe  in   God  Father  Almighty,   maker  of 

HEAVEN  AND  EARTH. 

I  BELIEVE  LIKEWISE  IN  JESUS  CHRIST,  HIS  ONLY- 
BEGOTTEN  Son,  our  Lord,  who  is  begotten  of  the 
Holy  Spirit;  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary;  suffered 
under  Pontius  Pilate,  crucified,  dead  and  buried  ; 
descended  into  the  kingdom  of  death  j  on  the 
third  day  arisen  again  from  the  dead  \  ascended 
into  heaven  ;   sitting  on  the  right  side  of  god  the 

1  When  several  children  are  baptized  together,  the  Our  Father 
accompanied  by  the  laying  on  of  hands  may  be  read  over  two  children 
at  once. 

H 


9o  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Father  Almighty;    from  thence  coming  again  to 
judge  living  and  dead. 

I     BELIEVE     LIKEWISE      IN     THE     HOLY     SPIRIT ;      ONE 

holy,  Universal  Church,  the  communion  of  saints  ; 

THE    FORGIVENESS   OF   SINS,    THE    RESURRECTION    OF   THE 
DEAD  AND  AN   EVERLASTING   LIFE. 

Then  the  priest  pours  water  on  the  child's  head  thrice 
and  says  : 

I  BAPTIZE  THEE  N.  N.  INTO  THE  NAME  OF  THE  FATHER 
AND  THE  SON  AND  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT.      AMEN. 

Then  the  priest  says  : 

Let  us  give  thanks  and  pray  : 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  dear  heavenly  Father : 
We  yield  thee  hearty  thanks  that  thou  dost  at  all  times 
strengthen  and  increase  thy  holy  Christian  Church  and 
hast  now  through  the  holy  baptism  suffered  this  child 
[these  children]  to  be  born  again  unto  everlasting  life. 
We  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  preserve  him  [her  or 
them]  in  the  grace  of  baptism,  that  he  [she  or  they] 
may  grow  up  in  thy  fear  and  in  the  power  of  Christ's 
resurrection,  walk  in  newness  of  life,  ever  pleasing  to 
thee,  and  after  this  life  inherit  the  blessedness  of  heaven  : 
through  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

Then  the  priest  pronounces  the  blessing  over  the 
children  : 

The  Lord  bless  thee  [you]  and  keep  iiii  i  [you], 
the  Lord  make  his  countenance  to  shine  upon  thee 
[you]  and  be  gracious  unto  thee  [you]  ;  the  Lord 
turn  his  countenance  toward  thee  [you]  and  give 
thee  [you]  peace. 

in  the  name  of  god,  the  father  and  the  son 
and  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

Thereafter  the  priest  admonishes  the  godparents  Uuis : l 

1   In  exceptional  cases,  where  no  sponsors  can  be  procured,  this 

exhortation  is  omitted. 


BAPTISM  Oi 

Dear  Christian  people  :  This  child  [these  children] 
has  [have]  through  the  laver  of  regeneration  been  adopted 
as  the  child  [children]  of  God  and  joint -heir[s]  of  Jesus 
Christ.  Ye,  who  have  witnessed  this  holy  work,  are 
called  together  with  the  congregation  and  the  child's 
[children's]  parents  and  especially  at  their  decease 
during  the  years  of  the  child's  [children's]  infancy  1 
to  take  care  that  he  [she  or  they|  grow  up  in  the  cor- 
rection and  admonition  of  the  Lord  and  thereby  keep 
faithfully  that  which  in  baptism  he  [she  or  they]  hath 
|  have]  received.  Consider  this  your  duty  and  support 
this  child  [these  children]  with  Christian  love  and  faithful 
prayers.  May  the  Lord  grant  you  his  grace  for  this 
work. 

The  priest  concludes  with  the  following  exhortation  : 

Let  us  now  hear  the  exhortation  of  God's  Word  unto 
us  who  have  received  the  grace  of  baptism  : 

As  ye  have  therefore  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord, 
so  walk  ye  in  him  :  rooted  and  built  up  in  him,  and 
stablished  in  the  faith,  as  ye  have  been  taught,  abound- 
ing therein  with  thanksgiving  (Col.  ii.  6-7). 

Or: 

The  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  grant  you, 
according  to  the  riches  of  his  glory,  to  be  strengthened 
with  might  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man ;  that  Christ 
may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith  (Eph.  iii.  16-17). 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the 
Holy  Spirit,  as  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and 
shall  be  from  everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Then  the  priest  says  : 

Go  in  the  peace  of  the  Lord. 

1  At  a  foundling's  baptism  omit  the  words  :  "  and  the  child's 
[children's]  parents   .    .    .   infancy.'' 


92  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

2.  Emergency  Baptism  and  its  Ratification  x 

When  the  weak  condition  of  the  child  gives  no  time  to 
call  the  priest,  some  other  confirmed  and  godfearing  person, 
man  or  woman,  may  baptize  the  child  :  and  he  who  per- 
forins the  emergency  baptism  should  lake  care  that  pure 
and  unmixed  water  is  procured,  of  which  the  witnesses 
present  should  also  assure  themselves,  and  then  with  their 
thoughts  fixed  upon  God,  whose  work  and  holy  institution 
this  is,  pour  water  on  the  child's  head  thrice  and  say: 

i  baptize  thee  n.  n.  into  the  name  of  the  father 
and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

Then  is  read : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  Lord  bless  us,  etc. 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son 
and  the  Holy  Spirit.    Amen. 

Should  the  child,  who  received  emergency  baptism,  live, 
the  priest  should  take  care  to  ascertain  exactly,  from  those 

1  [PRIVATE   BAPTISM   IN   EMERGENCY. 

This  is  performed  on  the  sick  in  clanger  of  death. 

If  the  child  survives,  he  should  be  publicly  received  into 
the  Church,  but  Sweden,  from  the  days  of  the  Pope's  rule, 
had  a  regulation  of  merely  blessing  the  child  at  the  church  door. 
Later,  godparents  were  provided,  who  brought  the  child  into 
church 'to  certify  how  it  was  baptized,  li  the  priest  found  any 
error,  he  must  baptize  it  there  and  then. 

But  if  the  child  had  been  rightly  baptized,  he  musl  inquire 
the  name,  and  make  a  cross  on  the  breasl  and  lace,  saying: 
"  Take  this  holy  sign  of  the  cross  on  thy  face,  and  on  thy  breast." 
Then  alter  two  prayers,  the  priesl  put  salt  into  the  child's  mouth, 
with  the  customary  words.  While  it  was  held  over  the  font,  the 
questions  wen-  put,  concerning  renunciation  of  the  devil,  and 
the  confession  of  faith.  The  ceremony  concluded  by  folding  a 
white  robe  round  the  child,  and  giving  it  a  candle,  with  a  final 
exhortation  to  the  godparents. 

In  1571  a  shorter  service  was  issued,  with  the  preface  allowing 
the  one  just  described  to  be  used  if  it  was  desired  ;  but  the  shorter 
form  was  so  favourably  received,  as  to  be  incorporated,  word  lor 
word,  in  [614,  and  remained  in  use  with  a  lew  slight  improve- 
ments till  r693. — J.H.S.] 


BAPTISM  93 

who  were  present,  whether  the  child  is  baptized  according 
to  the  abqve-mentioned  form.  If  he  then  find  that  the 
baptism  was  not  so  performed,  as  above  prescribed,  the 
child  is  to  be  deemed  unbaptized  and  is  to  be  baptized 
according  to  the  form  prescribed  for  Infant  Hap/ism  in 
this  chapter.  Otherwise  the  baptism  is  ratified  by  the 
priest  in  the  following  manner:  ' 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

Dear  Christian  people:  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath 
expressly  bidden  his  disciples  : 

"  Go  ye  therefore,"  etc. 

Seeing  now  that  this  child  N.N.  is  baptized  according 
to  the  commandment  of  Jesus  Christ  with  water  into 
the  Name  of  the  Father  and  of  the  Son  and  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  that  we  may  be  assured  thereby  that  he 
she]  hath  been  received  as  a  child  of  God  and  an  heir 
of  eternal  life:  so  then  I,  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ, 
approve  and  confirm  this  baptism  in  the  Name  of  the 
Father  and  of  the  Son  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

Hear  the  holy  and  comfortable  gospel,  as  it  is  read 
in  the  evangelist  Mark.     (Mark  x.  13-16.) 

Then  the  priest  lays  his  hand  upon  the  child's  head  and 
prays  : — 

Our  Father,  etc. 

Let  us  now  hear  the  Christian  faith  which  we  confess 
and  into  which  this  child  [these  children]  is  [are] 
baptized  : 

I  believe  in  God,  etc. 

Afterwards  the  priest  continues: 

1  The  same  formula  is  followed,  when  the  ratification  <>/  baptism 
is  required  by  persons,  who  have  been  baptized  contrary  to  the 
Church's  rule,  making  such  necessary  changes  as  arc  required 
by  the  age  of  the  baptized  person. 

The  ratification  of  baptism  should,  whenever  possible,  be  per- 
formed in  the  presence  of  the  witnesses  of  the  baptism. 


94  THE  SWEDISH   RITE 

Let  us  pray  : 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  dear  heavenly  Father: 
We  yield  thee  hearty  thanks  that  thou  dost  at  all  times 
strengthen  and  increase  the  holy  Christian  Church  and 
hast  now  suffered  this  child  to  be  born  again  unto  ever- 
lasting life.  We  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  preserve 
him  [her]  in  the  grace  of  baptism,  that  he  [she]  may  grow 
up  in  thy  fear  and  in  the  power  of  Christ's  resurrection, 
walk  in  newness  of  life,  ever  pleasing  to  thee,  and  after 
this  life  inherit  the  blessedness  of  heaven  :  through  the 
same  thy  son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  the  priest  pronounces  the  blessing  upon  the  child  : 
The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee,  etc. 
Lastly  the  priest  exhorts  the  godparents  thus  :  l 
Dear  Christian  people  :  This  child  [these  children] 
has  [have]  through  the  laver  of  regeneration  been 
adopted  as  the  child  [children]  of  God  and  joint  heir[s] 
of  Jesus  Christ.  Ye,  who  have  witnessed  this  holy  work, 
are  called,  together  with  the  congregation  and  the 
child's  [children's]  parents,  and  especially  at  their 
decease  during  the  years  of  the  child's  [children's] 
infancy,2  to  take  care  that  he  [she  or  they]  grow  up  in 
the  correction  and  admonition  of  the  Lord  and  thereby 
keep  faithfully  that  which  in  baptism  he  [she  or  they] 
hath  [have]  received.  Consider  this  your  duty  and 
support  this  child  [these  children]  with  Christian  love 
and  faithful  prayers.  May  the  Lord  grant  you  his  grace 
for  this  work. 

The  priest  concludes  with  the  following  exhortation  : 
Let  us  now  hear  the  exhortation  of  God's  Word  to  us, 
who  have  received  the  grace  of  baptism  :    (Col.  ii.  6-7) 

1  In  exceptional  cases,  where  no  sponsors  can  be  procured,  who 
will  undertake  the  duties  of  godparents,  the  exhortation  to  the  god- 
parents is  omitted. 

-  At  a  foundling's  baptism  omit  the  words  :  "  and  the  child's 
[the  children's]  parents  .   .   .  infancy." 


BAPTISM  95 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the 
Holy  Spirit,  as  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall 
be  from  everlasting  to  everlasting.      Amen. 

Then  the  priest  says  : 

Go  in  the  peace  of  the  Lord. 

3.  Baptism  of  an  Adult  born  of  Christian  Parents  x 

The  baptismal  ceremony  presupposes,  that  he,  who  is 
to  be  baptized  [the  catechumen :  "  baplizanden "],  has 
previously  obtained  the  requisite  instruction,  and  witnesses 
ought  to  be  present  at  its  performance,  whether  the  ceremony 
be  performed  in  the  presence  of  the  congregation  assembled 
for  service  or  not. 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Dear  Christian  people  :  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath 
testified  and  said  :  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and 
of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 
This  youth  [girl,  man,  woman],  who  hath  not  previously 
received  the  holy  baptism,  hath  declared,  that  he  [she] 
desireth  to  be  partaker  thereof.  Let  us  therefore  in 
Christian  love  pray  for  him  [her]  : 

1  [A  meeting  of  all  the  Bishops  in  1641  discussed  the  question, 
but  nothing  was  introduced  into  the  manual  until  1643.  The 
minister  must  instruct  the  candidate  in  Christianity,  and  pro- 
duce evidence  of  his  resolution  to  persevere  in  the  faith.  Notice 
is  to  be  given  from  the  pulpit  of  the  intended  Baptism  and  the 
congregation  reminded  to  pray  for  God's  mercy  and  blessing 
upon  this  Christian  undertaking.  The  sign  of  the  cross  is  not 
mentioned  in  this  service.  The  candidate  may  choose  whether 
to  be  baptized  in  church  or  at  home,  but  there  is  one  slight  trace 
that  normally  the  church  building  is  used,  in  the  words,  "  he 
bends  his  head  over  the  font:"  In  the  Swedish  Prayer  Book  of 
191 7  witnesses  are  required,  wherever  the  ceremony  is  performed. 
One  curious  distinction  is  made;  the  candidate  whose  parents 
are  Christian  kneels  both  for  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  for  the 
Blessing,  whereas  a  Jew,  Mohammedan,  or  Heathen  kneels,  not 
at  the  Lord's  Prayer,  but  only  at  the  Blessing. — J.H.S.] 


96  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Almighty  God,  dear  heavenly  Father  :  Our  Saviour 
hath  said  :  "  Ask,  and  ye  shall  have ;  seek,  and  ye  shall 
find  ;  knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you."  So  open 
now  for  him  [her]  the  door  unto  thy  rich  house  and 
give  him  [her]  a  share  in  its  treasures.     Amen. 

Lift  up  your  hearts  to  God. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  himself  instituted  the 
Holy  Baptism,  when  he  said  to  his  disciples  :  "All 
power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth,"  etc. 
(Matt,  xxviii.  18-20.) 

The  catechumen  falls  on  his  knees,  and  then  the  priest 
lays  his  hand  upon  his  head  and  prays  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  priest  continues  to  pray  : 

May  the  Lord  God,  the  eternally  merciful,  who  alone 
delivereth  from  all  evil  and  who  hath  graciously  called 
thee  to  be  partaker  of  the  light  through  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  save  thee  from  the  power  of  darkness  and 
keep  thee  in  his  truth  and  fear  now  and  for  evermore. 
Amen. 

The  catechumen  stands  up. 

The  priest  says  further  :  [Or  the  catechumen  makes  the 
confession  himself,  saying  :    I  believe,  etc.}. 

Dost  thou  believe  in  God?  etc. 

Answer:  Yea. 

Dost  thou  believe  also  in  Jesus  Christ  ?  etc. 

Answer:  Yea. 

Dost  thou  believe  also  in  the  Holy  Spirit  ?   etc. 

Answer :  Yea. 

Wilt  thou  be  baptized  into  this  faith  ? 

A  nswer  :   Yea. 

Then  he  who  is  to  be  baptized  bends  his  head  over  the 
font,  and  the  priest  sprinkles  it  thrice  with  water  and  says  : 

I  BAPTIZE  THEE  N.N.  IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  FATHER 
AND  OF  THE  SON  AND  OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT.      AMEN. 


BAPTISM  97 

Then  the  priest  prays  : 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  dear  heavenly  Father: 
We  yield  thee  hearty  thanks,  that  thou  dost  at  all 
times  support  and  increase  the  holy  Christian  Church 
and  now  hast  suffered  this  [youth,  etc.]  to  receive  the 
laver  of  regeneration  unto  everlasting  life.  We  pray 
thee,  that  thou  wouldest  preserve  him  [her]  in  thy 
grace,  that  he  [she]  may  grow  up  in  thy  fear  and  in  the 
power  of  Christ's  resurrection  walk  in  newness  of  life, 
ever  be  pleasing  to  thee,  and  after  this  life  attain  the 
inheritance  of  the  blessed  in  heaven  :  through  the  same 
thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  the  pried  addresses  the  baptized  in  the  following 
words  : 

Thou  hast  been  baptized  into  Christ  Jesus  to  the  end 
that,  as  he  was  awakened  from  the  dead  through  the 
glory  of  the  Father,  thou  likewise  mayest  walk  in  a  new 
being.  Through  his  word  and  his  holy  supper  will  the 
Cod  of  all  grace  perfect,  support,  strengthen,  and  con- 
linn  thee.  Keep  thyself  therefore  in  fellowship  with 
his  church,  in  watchfulness  and  prayer  to  him,  who 
cometh  to  thee  there,  and  fight  the  good  fight  of  the 
faith  against  all  that  is  evil,  and  so  will  the  God  of  peace 
be  with  thee  and  help  thee  well  through  all  temptations 
and  dangers  unto  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

Then  the  priest  pronounces  the  blessing  over  the  baptized, 
aim  falls  upon  his  knees  : 

The  Lord  bless  thee,  etc. 

Then  the  priest  exhorts  the  godparents  thus: 

Dear  Christian  people  :  Ye,  who  have  witnessed  the 
baptism  of  this  [youth,  etc.],  must  consider  your  duty, 
which  is  to  support  him  [her]  henceforth  with  Christian 
love  and  faithful  prayers,  that  he  [she]  may  keep  the 
faith,  which  was  given  him  [her]  in  baptism.  May  the 
Lord  grant  you  his  grace  for  this  work.     Amen. 


98  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

The  priest  concludes  with  /his  exhortation  : 

Let  us  now  hoar  the  exhortation  of  God's  Word  to  us 
who  have  received  the  grace  of  baptism  :  As  ye  have 
therefore  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  walk  ye 
in  him  :  "  Rooted  and  built  up  in  him,  and  stablished 
in  the  faith,  as  ye  have  been  taught,  abounding  therein 
with  thanksgiving."     (Col.  ii.  6-7.) 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the  Holy 
Spirit,  as  it  was  from  the  beginning,  is  now  and  shall  be 
from  everlasting  to  everlasting.     Amen. 

Then  the  priest  says  : 

Go  in  the  peace  of  the  Lord. 

jj.  Baptism  of  Jews,  Mohammedans,  and  Heathen  x 

When  a  Jew,  Mohammedan,  or  heathen,  lias  of  his  own 
will  been  instructed  in  Christian  knowledge,  and  is  to  be 
baptized,  it  shall  depend  upon  his  own  choice  whether 
lie  receive  holy  baptism  publicly  in  church  or  privately. 

If  such  a  baptism  is  to  be  administered  on  a  Sunday  or 
Holy  Day  in  church,  the  congregation  is  to  be  exhorted  from 
the  pulpit  to  unite  in  prayer  to  God  on  his  behalf,  who  is 
to  be  baptized,  for  a  blessing  upon  his  undertaking. 

When  he  [she']  comes  forward  to  be  baptized,  the  priest 
preaches  a  short  sermon  to  the  congregation  or  reads  the 
following  address  : 

A. — At  the  Baptism  of  Israelites 
In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Christian  friends  :  This  man  [woman,  youth,  girl, 
etc.]  of  the  stock  of  Israel  hath  by  God's  grace  and  the 
power  of  his  holy  word  learned  to  know  God  the  Father 
and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  he  hath  revealed 

1  The  sections  which  are  not  marked  A  or  B  are  common  to 
both  kinds  of  baptismal  office  which  are  here  in  question. 


BAPTISM  99 

himself  in  his  word,  and  confesseth  Jesus  to  be  his  [her] 
Saviour  as  well  as  the  Saviour  of  the  whole  world. 
Having  now  gathered  as  far  as  it  he  possible  that  he 
[she]  earnestly  desireth  holy  baptism,  and  as  our  Lord 
Jesus  hath  testified  and  said  :  "  Except  a  man  be  born 
again  of  water  and  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  the 
kingdom  of  God  "  (John  iii.  5),  so  it  is  our  duty  to  further 
his  [her]  godly  enterprise  with  Christian  love  and  faithful 
prayers. 

B. — At  the  Baptism  of  Mohammedans  and  Heathen 

Christian  friends  :  This  man  [woman,  youth,  girl, 
etc.]  hath  by  God's  grace  and  the  power  of  his  holy 
word  been  turned  from  the  darkness  and  error  of 
Mohammedanism  (heathendom)  to  the  true  worship 
of  God.  He  [she]  hath  learned  to  know  God,  the 
Father  and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  he  hath 
revealed  himself  in  his  word,  and  confesseth  Jesus  to 
be  his  [her]  Saviour  as  well  as  the  Saviour  of  the  whole 
world.  Having  now  gathered,  as  far  as  it  be  possible, 
that  he  [she]  earnestly  desireth  holy  baptism,  and  as 
our  Lord  Jesus  hath  testified  and  said  :  "  Except  a  man 
be  born  again  of  water  and  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter 
the  kingdom  of  God  "  (John  iii.  5),  so  it  is  our  duty  to 
further  his  [her]  godly  enterprise  with  Christian  love 
and  faithful  prayers. 

Then  the  priest  says  : 

Almighty  God,  the  comfort  of  them  that  call  upon 
thee,  the  life  of  them  that  have  come  into  faith,  and 
the  restorer  of  them  that  are  dead  in  sin  :  We  beseech 
thee  for  this  thy  servant,  who  desireth  thy  gift  of  baptism, 
that  he  [she]  may  receive  thine  eternal  grace  through 
regeneration  by  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Receive  him  [her] 
unto  thee,  O  Lord,  and  as  thou  hast  said  :  "  Ask  and  ye 


ioo  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

shall  have,  seek  and  yc  shall  find ;  knock  and  it  shall 
be  opened  unto  you  "  :  so  open  now  the  gate  unto  him 
[her]  that  knocketh,  that  he  [she]  may  be  born  again  of 
water  and  the  Spirit,  and  may  enter  into  the  kingdom, 
which  thou  hast  prepared  :  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

The  priest  questions  him  [her]  who  is  to  be  baptized 
{the  catechumen)  : 

What  is  thy  name? 

The  catechumen  answers,  giving  the  name  that  he  [she] 
bore  before  his  [her]  baptism  :   N.N. 

Then  the  priest  addresses  the  catechumen  thus  : 

Before  God,  who  trieth  thy  heart,  and  in  the  presence 
of  Christ's  congregation,  into  the  communion  of  which 
thou  desirest  to  enter,  I  demand  of  thee  : — 

A. — At  the  Baptism  of  Israelites 

Dost  thou  renounce  the  doctrine  in  which  thou  had 
walked  hitherto  without  knowing  God,  as  he  hath  re- 
vealed himself  through  his  Son  Jesus  Christ? 

Answer:  Yea. 

B. — At  the  Baptism  of  Mohammedans  and  Heathen 

Dost  thou  renounce  the  doctrine  in  which  thou  hast 
walked  hitherto  in  darkness  and  error? 

Answer:    Yea. 

Dost  thou  then  accept  and  confess  the  true  evangelical 
doctrine  wherein  thou  hast  now  been  instructed? 

Answer:    Yea. 

Lift  up  your  hearts  to  God. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  himself  instituted  holy 
baptism,  when  he  said  to  his  disciples  ;  (Matt,  xxviii. 
18-20). 


BAPTISM  ioi 

Then  the  priest  lays  Ms  hand  on  Ms  [hey]  head  and 
-prays  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  priest  continues  to  pray  : 

May  the  Lord  God,  the  eternally  merciful,  who  alone 
delivereth  from  all  evil,  and  who  hath  graciously  called 
thee  to  be  partaker  of  the  light  through  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  save  thee  from  the  power  of  darkness  and 
keep  thee  in  his  truth  and  fear  now  and  for  evermore. 
Amen. 

Make  now  thy  confession  of  faith  before  God  and  his 
congregation  : 

Then  he  that  is  to  he  baptized  says  :  l 

I  believe  in  Gon,  etc. 

The  priest  asks  : 

Wilt  thou  be  baptized  into  this  faith? 

A  nswer :  Yea. 

Wilt  thou  also  remain  stedfast  therein? 

Answer:   Yea. 

What  name  wilt  thou  have? 

Answer :   N.N. 

Then  he  [she]  that  is  to  he  baptized  bends  his  [her]  head 
over  the  font,  and  the  priest  pours  water  upon  it  thrice 
and  says  : 

I  BAPTIZE  THEE  N.N.  INTO  THE  NAME  OF  THE  FATHER 
AND  OF  THE  SON  AND  OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT.      AMEN. 

Then  the  priest  says  : 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  love,  we  yield  thee,  hearty 
thanks  that  thou  dost  ever  support  and  increase  thy 
holy  Christian  Church,  and  hast  now  suffered  this 
tin'   servant   to  receive  the  laver  of   regeneration  unto 

1  When  he  [she]  that  is  to  be  baptized  cannot  speak  the  Sivedish 
language  easily,  it  shall  be  sufficient  that  he  [she]  answer  Yea  to  each 
of  the  articles  of  faith,  which  are  then  read  by  the  priest  in  inter 
rogative  form. 


102  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

everlasting  life.  We  praise  and  magnify  thy  holy  name 
that  thou  through  thy  Spirit  gatherest  nations  and 
kindreds  into  one  multitude,  which  no  man  can  number, 
to  worship  thee  before  thy  throne  for  ever  and  ever : 
through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Thereupon  Die  priest  addresses  the  baptized  in  the 
following  maimer  : 

Dear  brother  [sister]  :  The  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  in  the  fullness  of  his  glory  grant  thee  through 
his  Spirit  to  be  strengthened  with  power  in  the  inner 
man  and  fulfilled  with  all  the  fullness  of  God.  To  thee 
hath  much  been  given  :  therefore  from  thee  also  will 
much  be  expected.  To  thee  hath  much  been  entrusted  : 
therefore  from  thee  also  shall  more  be  required.  See 
to  it  therefore  that  thou  neglect  not  the  grace  of  God 
and  come  behind.  Use  God's  holv  word  with  a  diligent 
and  obedient  heart.  Watch  and  pray  at  all  times  that 
thou  mayest  flee  from  all  sin  and  walk  worthily  in  the 
gospel  of  Christ.  Forget  not  at  any  time  the  gracious 
covenant  that  God  the  Three  in  One  hath  made  with  thee 
in  this  holy  baptism,  and  oftentimes  seek  thy  Saviour 
in  his  holy  supper  with  a  penitent  mind  and  a  hearty 
desire  for  salvation.  Likewise  beware  of  all  false  and 
strange  doctrines,  and  remain  stedfast  in  the  wholesome 
doctrine,  which  our  church  confesses,  and  in  which  thou 
hast  been  instructed.  So  will  the  God  of  peace  be  with 
thee  and  help  thee  well  through  all  the  temptations  and 
sufferings  of  this  life  unto  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

When  the  baptized  has  knelt  down,  the  priest  continues  : 

The  Lord  bless  thee,  etc. 

Lastly  the  godparents  are  exhorted  : 

Dear  Christian  people  :  Seeing  that  ye  have  under- 
taken to  bear  witness  to  this  our  Christian  brother's 
[sister's]  conversion  and  baptism  :  I  exhort  you  there- 
fore, that  ye  succour  him  [her]  ever  after  in  Christian 


BAPTISM  103 

love  by  prayer  and  exhortation,  that  he  [she]  may  abide 
stedfast  in  the  grace  which  God  the  Three  in  One  hath 
vouchsafed  to  him  [her],  shun  all  error  and  use  the 
means  of  grace  rightly  and  serve  God  in  holiness  and 
righteousness  all  the  days  of  his  [her]  life.  May  the 
Lord  grant  you  grace  and  power  for  his  Name's  sake. 
Amen. 

The  priest  concludes  with  the  following  exhortation  : 

Let  us  now  hear  the  exhortation  of  God's  Word  to  us, 
who  have  received  the  grace  of  baptism  :    (Col.  ii.  6-7). 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 

Then  the  priest  says : 

Go  in  the  peace  of  the  Lord. 


CHAPTER   V 

THE   CONFIRMATION   AND   FIRST  COMMUNION 
OF  THE  YOUNG 

At  the  time  which  is  found  to  be  most  suitable  to  the 
circumstances  and  conditions  of  each  neighbourhood, 
an  announcement  is  to  be  made  by  the  Incumbent  from  the 
pulpit  to  the  effect  that  all  parents,  foster-fathers,  and  heads 
of  households,  who  have  children  and  servants  that  are  of 
an  age  to  be  instructed  and  prepared  to  receive  the  Com- 
munion of  the  Lord  for  the  first  time,  shall  within  the  time 
appointed  notify  them  to  the  Incumbent  of  the  parish. 
The  children  whose  guardians  fail  to  do  this  must  tarry 
till  the  following  year,  as  other-wise  the  clergy  will  be  con- 
tinually hindered  in  their  work  by  newcomers'. 

When  notification  is  made,  and  the  appointed  time  has 
expired,  the  children  are  informed  from  the  pulpit  by 
repeated  announcements  of  the  day  on  which  they  are  to 
present  themselves. 

The  instruction  then  commences  immediately,  in  which 
the  accepted  catechism  of  our  church  should  be  followed. 

When  the  candidates  are  found  to  have  the  requisite 
Christian  knowledge,  the  Incumbent  fixes  a  certain  day  for 
the  examination  which  should  precede  the  children's  com- 
munion in  the  presence  of  the  congregation.  Notice  of 
this  should  be  given  from  the  pulpit  together  with  instruc- 
tions that  the  candidates  of  the  congregation  on  such  and 
such  a  day  will  be  examined  openly  in  the  choir  in  our 
(  hristian  doctrine,  to  confess  their  faith  and  make  their 

104 


CONFIRMATION   AND   FIRST  COMMUNION      105 

■promises.  Moreover  (he  members  of  the  congregation,  and 
especially  parents,  foster-parents,  and  heads  of  houses, 
are  requested  to  be  present  and  support  the  children  in 
their  grave  undertaking  with  faithful  prayers,  and  for  their 
own  part  to  derive  from  this  Christian  rite  the  edification 
that  is  intended  and  ought  to  be  derived. 

On  the  appointed  day,  when  the  children  arc  assembled 
■in  the  choir,  round  the  altar,  the  ceremony  commences  with 
the  singing  of  a  hymn. 

At  the  close  of  the  hymn,  the  Incumbent,  or  the  Priest 
who  instructed  the  children,  addresses  them  briefly  from  the 
altar,  after  which  the  examination  begins.  This  should 
be  so  arranged  that  the  very  chiefest  parts  of  the  doctrine 
of  salvation  are  gone  through. 

From  the  examination  (which  ought  not  to  last  much 
more  than  one  hour,1  and,  if  by  reason  of  the  greater  number 
of  children  this  time  does  not  suffice,  ought  at  least  not  to 
be  extended  longer  than  is  necessary  for  each  child  to  answer 
some  question)  the  Priest  passes  to  the  following  questions, 
by  addressing  the  candidates  thus  : 

Dearly  beloved  children  :  Ye  have  now  given  a  brief 
account  of  your  knowledge  of  that  doctrine  which  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  revealed  to  us  in  his  holy  word, 
and  which  is  preached  and  confessed  in  his  church. 
This  is  likewise  the  faith  in  which  ye  are  baptized.  I 
admonish  you  now  that  before  God  and  this  Christian 
congregation  ye  answer  and  confess  : 

DO  YE  BELIEVE  IN  GOD  THE  FATHER  ALMIGHTY, 
MAKER  OF  HEAVEN  AND  EARTH? 

A  nswer  :   Yea. 

DO  YE  BELIEVE  LIKEWISE  IN  JESUS  CHRIST,  HIS  ONLY- 

1  In  order  that  the  examination  at  the  Confirmation  itself  may 
not  exceed  the  prescribed  time,  the  Incumbent  may  at  his  discretion 
arrange  a  special  examination  for  the  candidates  on  some  previous 
day  in  the  presence  of  the  parents,  guardians,  and  the  elders  of  the 
congregation. 
I 


io6  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

begotten  sox,  our  lord,  who  is  begotten  of  the 
Holy  Spirit;  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary;  suffered 
under  Pontius  Pilate,  crucified,  dead  and  buried; 
descended  into  the  kingdom  of  death  ;  ON  THE  THIRD 
day  arisen  again  from  the  dead;  ascended  into 
heaven  ;  sitting  on  the  right  side  of  god  the 
Father  Almighty;  from  thence  coming  to  judge 
living  and  dead? 
A  nswer :   Yea. 

Do  YE  BELIEVE  IN  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT;  ONE  HOLY, 
UNIVERSAL  CHURCH;  THE  COMMUNION  OF  SAINTS;  THE 
FORGIVENESS  OF  SINS  ;  THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  DEAD 
AND  AN  EVERLASTING  LIFE? 

Answer:    Yea. 

Will  you  by  God's  grace  show  forth  this  faith  in  your 
lives,  and  so  walk  worthily  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  in 
love  toward  God  and  toward  your  neighbours? 

A  nswer :   Yea. 

Will  you  then  by  God's  help  study  God's  Word  by 
watchfulness  and  prayer  to  use  God's  Word  and  seek 
your  Saviour  in  his  Holy  Supper? 

Answer:    Yea. 

When  /lie  questions  have  been  answered  by  the  children 
collectively  with  "  Yea,"  the  priest  says  : 

Dearly  beloved  children  :  Ye  have  now  in  the 
presence  of  God,  the  all-knowing  and  omnipresent, 
made  your  confession  with  your  own  mouth,  and 
herewith  I  proclaim  that  ye  be  admitted  to  the  Holy 
Supper  of  the  Lord,  in  the  Name  of  God  the  Father 
and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit. 

The  Lord  grant  you  his  grace  to  consecrate  your  whole 
life  and  all  your  powers  to  his  will  and  service  in  Christ 
Jesus. 

Here  the  children  are  to  kneel,  and  the  priest  continues  : 

The  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  grant  unto  you 


CONFIRMATION   AND   FIRST  COMMUNION      107 

of  the  riches  of  his  glory,  that  ye  through  his  Spirit  grow 
in  power  to  your  inner  man  and  be  fulfilled  with  all  the 
fullness  of  God.    Amen. 

The  priest  kneels,  facing  the  children  and  prays  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

Then  the  priest  stands  up  and  says : 

Let  ns  now  join  in  faithful  prayer  for  these  children. 

The  priest  /urns  to  the  altar  and  prays  : 

Almighty,  merciful  God,  heavenly  Father,  thou  who 
beginnest  and  fulfillest  in  us  every  good  thing,  we  pray 
thee  for  these  children,  in  whom  thou  hast  begun  thy 
good  work  by  the  laver  of  regeneration,  and  whom  thou 
hast  suffered  now  to  attain  such  knowledge  that  of  them- 
selves before  thy  congregation  they  have  been  able  to 
confess  thy  grace  and  truth  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord  : 
fulfil  this  good  work  that  thou  hast  begun  in  them. 
Teach  their  hearts  more  and  more  to  know  the  worth 
of  the  salvation  that  thine  only-begotten  Son  hath 
prepared  for  them.  They  are  weak  :  do  thou  strengthen 
them  with  thy  power.  They  will  pass  through  a 
dangerous  world  :  do  thou  shield  them  with  thy  might. 
Temptations  will  encounter  them  :  do  thou  embolden 
them  to  fight  and  to  prevail.  Give  them  the  grace  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit  for  the  blessed  partaking  of  the  Holy 
supper.  Help  them  to  confess  thy  Name  boldly 
before  the  world  with  their  lips  and  in  their  lives,  to 
watch  and  pray  at  all  times,  and  together  with  all  thy 
faithful  people  confidently  to  await  the  coming  of  th}- 
dear  Son,  and  finally  with  him  to  attain  everlasting  life. 
Amen. 

Then  the  priest  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  : 

Bow  your  hearts  to  God  and  receive  the  blessing. 

The  Lord  bless  you,  etc. 

Then  when  the  children  have  stood  up,  the  ceremony 
concludes  with  a  hymn. 


ioS  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

When  the  children  come  together  to  the  Lord's  Supper 
on  some  following  holy  day,  a  short  address  suitable  to 
the  occasion  is  given  with  reference  thereto  immediately 
after  the  church  notices,  and  afterwards  there  follows  in 
the  usual  way  the  valediction  over  the  congregation. 


CHAPTER  VI 

PUBLIC    CONFESSION  » 

When  the  important  examination  for  communion  has 
taken  place  before  or  else  in  connexion  with  the  notice  of 
the  celebration,  so  far  as  may  be,  the  public  confession  is 
made,  whether  on  the  day  of  the  communion  or  on  some 
previous  day,  in  the  following  order. 

i  [CONFESSION  IN  THE  SWEDISH  CHURCH 

In  the  Swedish  Catechism,  Section  V  has,  until  quite  recently, 
been  preceded  by  teaching  on  Confession,  which  is  a  preparation 
for  the  Lord's  Supper. 

What  is  comprised  in  Confession? 

In  Confession  are  comprised  two  things  :  Confession  of  sins, 
and  Absolution. 

Of  ivhat  does  Confession  of  sins  consist  ? 

It  consists  in  a  sinner  acknowledging  his  sins,  with  a  penitent 
and  repentant  heart,  and  asking  forgiveness  for  Christ's  sake. 
(Ps.  xxxii.  5.) 

Of  what  does  Absolution  consist  ? 

It  consists  in  the  priest  announcing  to  us,  when  we  have 
acknowledged  our  sins,  the  forgiveness  of  sins  on  behalf  of 
Christ.      (John  xx.  28.) 

How  are  we  to  consider  this  Absolution  ? 

That  it  is  God  alone  Who  forgives  sins,  and  that  no  forgive- 
ness of  sins  is  obtained  without  repentance  and  faith. 

How  many  ways  can  Confession  be  made  ? 

Both  publicly  and  privately,  and  that,  too,  without  being 
joined  to  the  Lord's  Supper. 

What  is  excommunicating  ? 

It  is  the  exclusion  of  an  openly  unrepentant  sinner  from  the 
Lord's  Supper,  until  he  repents  and  amends.     (Matt,  xviii.  18.) 

Specific  Forms  of  Service  are  prescribed  and  published  in  the 
Swedish  Prayer  Book  for  Confession  and  Absolution — 

I.  General  Shriving  (Skriftermal)  for  the  congregation. 
II.  Private  Confession,  Absolution,  and  readmission  to  the 
Holy  Communion. 

The  Swedish  Church  still  requires  intending  Communicants 
to  ,^ive  notice  of  their  intention  to  the  priest,  and  this  is  largely 
followed  still.— J.H.S.] 

109 


no  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

First,  a  short  and  suitable  hymn  is  sung,  at  the  close  of 
which  the  fines/  says  : 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Then  an  address  on  Confession  is  given,  lasting  not 
more  than  half  an  hour,  from  which  the  finest  passes  in  a 
suitable  manner  to  the  confession  of  sin.1 

I,  poor  sinful  man,  who  was  born  in  sin  and  ever 
afterwards  have  oft  ended  against  thee  in  manifold  ways 
all  the  days  of  my  life,  heartily  confess  before  thee, 
O  holy  and  righteous  God,  Father  of  Love,  that  I  have 
not  loved  thee  above  all  else,  nor  my  neighbour  as 
myself.  Against  thee  and  thy  holy  commandments 
have  I  sinned  in  thoughts,  words,  and  deeds,  and  know 
that  I  am  therefore  worthy  of  everlasting  damnation, 
if  thou  shouldest  judge  me,  as  thy  justice  requires  and 
my  sins  have  deserved.  But  now  hast  thou  promised, 
dear  heavenly  Father,  to  embrace  with  gentleness  and 
mercy  all  penitent  sinners  who  turn  toward  thee,  and 
with  a  lively  faith  seek  refuge  in  thy  fatherly  kindness 
and  the  merits  of  the  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  For  unto 
such  wilt  thou  grant  remission  of  all  their  sins  against 
thee,  nor  wilt  thou  at  any  time  impute  unto  them  their 
transgressions.  In  this,  I,  miserable  sinner,  put  my 
faith,  and  pray  thee  trustfully  that  thou  wilt  after  thy 
same  promise  vouchsafe  to  be  merciful  and  gracious  to 
me,  and  forgive  me  all  my  sins,  to  the  praise  and  honour 
of  thy  holy  name. 

After  the  confession  of  sin  the  absolution  is  pronounced 
in  the  following  words  : 

If  this  your  confession  of  sin  is  sincere,  and  therefore 
you  with  a  penitent  heart  desire  forgiveness  of  your 
sins  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  then  it  is  sure  and  certain 
in  the  power  of  God's  Word  and  promise  that  God  in 

1  In  the  confession  preceding  the  celebranfs  own  communion, 
the  priest  kneels  during  the  confession  of  sin. 


PUBLIC   CONFESSION  III 

his  mercy  forgiveth  you  all  your  sins  :  and  I  pronounce 
unto  yon  this  forgiveness  of  your  sins  by  the  command 
ol  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  Name  of  God  the  Father 
and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

When  the  confession  with  communion  is  held  apart  from 
public  service,  it  proceeds  thus  : 

The  priest  says  : 

Let  us  pray. 

Then  the  priest  turns  toward  the  altar  and  intercedes 
in  the  name  of  the  communicants  in  this  manner  : 

Almighty,  heavenly  Father,  we  heartily  thank  thee 
that  thou  in  this  comfortable  absolution  hast  granted 
us  forgiveness  of  our  sins,  and  pray  thee  that  thou  wilt 
so  prepare  us  through  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  we  may 
receive  the  sacrament  of  the  body  and  blood  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  in  true  penitence  and  faith,  and  thereby 
be  strengthened  in  Christlike  patience  and  in  the  hope 
of  everlasting  life,  till  thou  at  last  grant  us  a  blessed 
departure  :  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.     Amen. 

Afterwards  a  short  hymn  is  sung  :  then  the  communion 
proceeds  in  the  accustomed  manner  (see  p.  29  ff.). 

When,  however,  confession  is  made  immediately  before 
the  service,  it  is  concluded  with  the  reading  of  some  suit- 
able hymn,  or  passage  from  the  Bible,  followed  by  the  so- 
called  apostolic  blessing : 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  the  love  of 
God  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Spirit  be  with  you 
all.     Amen.1 

(The  Swedish  Hymn  Book  45.8;  66.1-4;  7D- 8 
77.5-6;  88.2;  96.1-4;  in.  7-10;  137.4-8;  151. 4 
154.  9-10  ;  155.  1-8 ;  167.  6-9  ;  176.  1-10 ;  187.  7-10 
188.  9-10  ;  191.  6-10;  192.5-9;  205.7-9;  213.  1-3 
214.  1-7;  215.  1-4;  250.  1-4.) 

1  In  the  confession  preceding  the  priest's  own  communion,  the 
word  "  us  "  is  substituted  for  "  you." 


CHAPTER  VII 

PRIVATE   CONFESSION   AND   ABSOLUTION 

[According  to  the  Royal  Edict  of  the 
4TH  Day  of  May,  1855] 

When  he  [she]  who  is  to  be  shriven,  together  with  two 
or  three  members  of  the  congregation  summoned  by  the 
pastor  in  charge,  has  appeared  in  the  sacristy  at  the  time 
appointed  by  the  pastor,  they  proceed  in  the  following 
manner  : 

The  priest  says  : 

Dear  Christian  people  :  You  are  aware  that  this  man 
[woman]  hath,  contrary  to  the  admonitions  given  to  us 
all  in  God's  Word,  fallen  into  sin  against  the  N.N.  com- 
mandment, and  thereby  hath  provoked  God  and  wrought 
mischief,  so  that  he  [she]  hath  been  excluded  from  par- 
taking of  the  Lord's  Supper  in  this  congregation.1  He 
[she]  hath  now  declared  himself  [herself'  willing  to  con- 
fess and  ask  pardon  for  his  [her]  offence  in  this  congrega- 
tion. So  let  us  who  are  here  present,  make  faithful 
intercession  for  him  [her]  and  in  Christian  love  be  wit- 
nesses of  the  penitence  he  [she]  here  declareth,  of  the 
apology  he  [she]  maketh,  and  the  admission  to  the 
privileges  of  the  congregation  which  is  here  given  him 
[her]. 

1  Tj  the  offender  has  had  opportunity  after  the  offence  has  been 
committal  oj  being  a  partaker  of  the  holy  supper,  the  words  "  so 
that  he   ...   111  this  congregation  "  are  omitted, 

JI3 


PRIVATE  CONFESSION   AND  ABSOLUTION     113 

Then  these  questions  arc  addressed  to  him  [her]  : 

Dost  thou  confess  that  by  this  offence  against  the 
N.  N.  commandment  thou  hast  sinned  against  God  and 
wrought  mischief  in  his  congregation  ? 

.  I  nswer.  Yea. 

Dost  thou  show  a  hearty  repentance  for  this  deed, 
dost  thou  ask  pardon  for  thy  sin,  and  dost  thou  desire 
to  be  partaker  of  God's  grace  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  to 
be  admitted  once  more  to  the  fellowship  of  the 
congregation  ? 

Answer.  Yea. 

Wilt  thou  henceforth  by  the  same  grace  of  God  guard 
against  this  and  other  sins,  and  strive  to  live  a  Christian 
life  ? 

Answer.  Yea. 

Then  the  pries/  says  : 

Almighty  God  help  thee  to  do  this.     Amen. 

Let  us  pray. 

He  [she]  that  is  shriven  tunc  kneels  at  a  prayer-stool. 

Almighty,  everlasting  God  :  We  pray  thee,  cast  not 
away  this  sinner  who  hath  now  confessed  his  [her]  mis- 
doing and  desireth  forgiveness,  but  rather  that  thou  wilt 
in  thy  great  mercy  receive  him  [her]  into  grace  for  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ's  sake.  Give  him  [her]  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  he  may  work  in  his  [her]  heart  and  life 
a  righteous  repentance,  enlighten  and  rule  him  [her], 
so  that  henceforth  he  [she]  may  guard  against  all  sins, 
beware  of  security  and  occasion  for  sin,  fight  against 
the  snares  of  the  devil,  the  provocations  of  the  flesh, 
and  the  temptations  of  the  world,  and  overcoming  them 
may  live  in  righteousness  before  thee  all  the  days  of 
his  [her]  life,  and  finally  attain  with  all  the  faithful 
eternal  salvation  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

The  priest  continues  farther  : 


ii4  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

Forasmuch  as  thou  hast  before  God  and  his  congre- 
gation confessed  and  asked  pardon  for  thy  sins,  and  hast 
promised  amendment,  I  give  notice  to  thee  and  pro- 
claim that  thou  art  permitted  to  come  again  to  the  holy 
meal  of  the  Lord's  Supper  with  the  congregation.  The 
Lord  give  thee  grace  to  use  this  holy  privilege  to  thy 
soul's  salvation  in  unceasing  watch  and  prayer  and 
attention  to  the  obligations  which  bind  thee  before  thy 
God  and  thv  fellowmen.     Amen. 

Then  the  priest  addresses  those  present  : 

And  as  for  us,  dear  friends,  let  us  lay  to  heart  the 
warning  of  Paul  the  Apostle,  when  he  saith  :  "Brethren, 
if  a  man  be  overtaken  in  a  fault,  ye  which  are  spiritual, 
restore  such  an  one  in  the  spirit  of  meekness ;  consider- 
ing thyself,  lest  thou  also  be  tempted.  Bear  ye  one 
another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfil  the  law  of  Christ." 

Finally  the  priest  says  over  the  restored  person  : 

The  Lord  bless  thee,  etc. 

When  a  woman  has  overlain  her  child  by  mischance, 
the  priest  shall  read  the  following  prayer  over  her  in  the 
sacristy,  in  the  presence  of  two  or  three  persons  summoned 
as  witnesses,  the  woman  kneeling  meanwhile  :  1 

Almighty  God,  dear  heavenly  Father,  forasmuch  as 
this  woman  hath  met  with  a  great  sorrow,  in  that  she 
hath  overlain  her  child  by  mischance,  and  so  hath  sorrow 
of  heart :  Therefore  we  pray  thee,  dear  heavenly  Father, 
that  thou  of  thy  compassionate  love  wilt  not  lay  this 
to  her  account,  but  mercifully  forgive  her.  O  Lord, 
show  thy  longsuffering  and  mere)'  upon  her,  that  she 
may  serve  thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  the 
days  of  her  life  :  through  thy  Son  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

1  The  same  form  of  prayer  shall  also  be  used  Jor  u<ct  nurses,  who 
have  overlain  children  by  mischance,  only  with  the  alteration  of 
"  a  child  "  far  "  her  child." 


PRIVATE  CONFESSION   AND   ABSOLUTION     115 

In  the  case  of  a  woman  who  has  overlain  her  child  he/ore 
her  churching,  the  prayer  prescribed  in  the  Churching  of 
Women  is  not  read,  but  only  the  above.  Again,  when  a 
woman,  who  has  home  an  illegitimate  child ,  has  overlain 
the  same  before  she  has  been  privately  shriven  and 
absolved ,  all  that  should  be  required  is  a  special  confession 
as  in  this  chapter.  But  for  a  mother,  who  after  her 
churching  or  private  confession,  has  overlain  her  child, 
the  above  prayer  should  be  specially  read. 


CHAPTER  VIII 
THE  COMMUNION   OF   THE   SICK 

When  the  priest  has  ascertained  by  private  conversa- 
tion with  the  sick  person  the  condition  of  his  soul,  and  upon 
that  delivered  a  short  and  appropriate  address  on  con- 
fession, he  may  either  read  or  let  the  sick  man  himself  say 
the  confession  of  sin  : 

I,  poor  sinful  man,  who  was  born  in  sin  and  ever 
afterwards  have  offended  against  thee  in  manifold  ways 
all  the  days  of  my  life,  heartily  con  less  before  thee, 
O  holy  and  righteous  God,  Father  of  love,  that  1  have 
not  loved  thee  above  all  else,  nor  my  neighbour  as 
myself.  Against  thee  and  thy  holy  commandments 
have  I  sinned  in  thoughts,  words,  and  deeds,  and  know- 
that  I  am  therefore  worthy  of  everlasting  damnation, 
if  thou  shouldest  judge  me  as  thy  justice  requires  and 
my  sins  have  deserved.  But  now  hast  thou  promised, 
dear  heavenly  Father,  to  embrace  with  gentleness  and 
mercy  all  penitent  sinners  who  turn  toward  thee,  and 
with  a  lively  faith  seek  refuge  in  thy  fatherly  kindness 
and  the  merits  of  the  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  For  unto 
such  wilt  thou  grant  remission  of  all  their  sins  against 
thee,  nor  wilt  thou  at  any  time  impute  unto  them  their 
transgressions.  In  this,  I,  miserable  sinner,  put  my 
faith,  and  pray  thee  trustfully  that  thou  wilt  after  thy 
same  promise  vouchsafe  to  be  merciful  and  gracious  to 
me,  and  forgive  me  all  my  sins,  to  the  praise  and  honour 
oi  thy  holy  name.1 

1    When    he  that   is  being  shriven   is   very   sick,   the  priest   may 
no 


THE  COMMUNION   OF  THE   SICK         117 

Then  the  absolution  is  given  in  the  following  words  or 
in  other  appropriate  manner  : 

If  this  thy  confession  of  sin  is  sincere,  and  therefore 
thou  dost  with  a  penitent  heart  desire  forgiveness  of 
thy  sins  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  then  it  is  sure  and 
certain  in  the  power  of  God's  Word  and  promise  thai 
God  in  his  mercy  forgiveth  thee  all  thy  sins:  and  1 
pronounce  unto  thee  this  forgiveness  of  thy  sins, 
by  the  command  of  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  the 
Name  of  God  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the  Holy 
Spirit.     Amen. 

Further  the  priest  says  : 

The  Lord  strengthen  thy  heart  with  his  grace,  and  grant 
that  the  remembrance  of  the  death  of  Jesus,  which  thou 
art  now  celebrating,  may  seal  thy  faith,  quicken  thy 
love,  and  confirm  thy  hope  of  eternal  life. 

Instead  of  this  wish  (onskan),  the  priest  may  also  read 
the  foil oiving  collect : 

O  Lord  God,  heavenly  Father,  thou  who  desirest  not 
the  death  of  sinners,  but  wiliest  that  they  may  turn  and 
live  :  We  heartily  pray  thee  that  thou  in  thy  mercy 
wilt  turn  away  the  punishment  of  our  sins  and  grant  us 
grace  unto  true  repentance  and  living  faith  :  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Or  else  the  priest  may  intercede  in  the  name  of  the  sick 
■man  thus  : 

Almighty,  heavenly  Father  :  I  heartily  thank  thee 
that  thou  in  this  comfortable  absolution  hast  granted 
me  forgiveness  of  my  sins  and  pray  thee  that  thou  wilt 
so  prepare  me  through  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  I  may 
receive  the  sacrament  of  the  body  and  blood  of  thy  Son, 

examine  him  in  arty  manner  and  in  whatever  words  the  confession 
of  sin  can  conveniently  be  made,  provided  only  that  such  a  confession 
is  actually  made,  including  a  prayer  of  forgiveness  of  sin  for  Christ's 
sake. 


irS  THE    SWEDISH    RITE 

Jesus  Christ,  in  true  penitence  and  faith,  and  thereby 
be  strengthened  in  Christlike  patience  and  in  the  hope 
of  everlasting  Life,  till  thou  at  last  grant  me  a  blessed 
departure:  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.     Amen. 

The  priest  says  : 

Lift  up  thy  heart  to  God. 

In  the  night  when  the  Lord  Jesus  was  betrayed 
he  took  bread,  gave  thanks  to  god,  broke  it  and 
(.ave  to  the  disciples  and  said  :  take  ye  and  eat  : 
this  is  my  body,  which  is  given  for  you.  do  this 
in  my  remembrance. 

Likewise  also  he  took  the  cup,  gave  thanks  to 
God,  and  gave  to  the  disciples  and  said  :  drink  ye 
all  of  this  :  this  cup  is  the  new  covenant  in  my 
blood,  which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of 
sins.  as  often  as  ye  drink  this,  do  this  in  my 
remembrance. 

Our  Father,  etc. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of 
the  world  :  deliver  us,  merciful  Lord  God. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of 

THE  WORLD  :  HEAR  US,  MERCIFUL  LORD  GOD. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of 
the  world  :  grant  us  thy  peace  and  blessing. 

Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty  :  the 
heavens  and  the  earth  are  full  of  thy  glory. 
Grant  salvation  from  on  high.  Blessed  is  he,  that 
.cometh  in  the  name  of  the  lord.  grant  salva- 
tion from  on  high. 

Then  the  holy  supper  is  administered  in  the  manner  and 
with  the  words  which  are  prescribed  : 

First  the  bread  is  administered,  wherewith  is  said  : 

The  body  of  Christ  given  for  thee. 

Then  the  cup,  wherewith  is  said  : 

Tin:  blood  of  Christ  shed  for  thee. 


THE  COMMUNION  OF  THE  SICK         119 

Or  else  is  said  at  the  administration  of  the  bread  : 
Jesus  Christ,  whose  bodythou  receivest,  preserve 
1  111-  !•:  unto  everlasting  life. 

And  at  ///<■  administration  of  I  he  cup  : 

Jesus  Christ,  whose  blood  thou  receivest,  pre- 
serve THEE  UNTO  EVERLASTING  LIFE. 

Then  the  pries'  reads  : 

We  thank  thee,  Almighty  Father,  who  through  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  instituted  this  hoi}'  supper  for 
our  comfort  and  salvation,  and  pray  thee  grant  us 
grace  so  to  celebrate  the  memorial  of  Jesus  upon 
earth  that  we  may  likewise  be  partakers  of  the  great 
communion  in  heaven.     Amen. 

Or: 

O  Lord,  Almighty  God,  who  hast  granted  to  this  sick 
man  [woman]  to  be  partaker  of  thy  sacrament,  we  pray 
thee  that  thou  wilt  grant  him  [her]  also  to  be  partaker 
with  thee  and  all  the  faithful  of  thy  eternal  honour 
and  glory  :  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee  and  thy  Holy  Spirit  in  one 
Godhead  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

The  Lord  bless  thee,  etc. 

(Pages  of  Hymns,  152-164.) 


CHAPTER   IX 

SOLEMNISATION   OF  MATRIMONY1 


1  [This  office  is  derived  from  the  medieval  form,  as  set  fortn 
below  (Manuale  Aboense,  1522);  the  first  reformed  office  of 
Olaus  Petri  is  seen  in  the  parallel  column. 


1522. 

1529. 

{At  the  church  door.) 

(I) 

Banns  are  published 

three  Sundays. 

{At  the  church  door.) 

for 

(1) 

Long  Exhortation  con- 
cerning banns  and  mar- 
riage, with  warnings 
against  ill-advised  haste. 

(2)  Questions     are      put 

to 

(2) 

Questions     are     put     to 

elicit  mutual  consent  of 

elicit  mutual  consent  of 

the  couple,  which  is 

the 

the  couple,  which  is  the 

foundation  of  marriage. 

foundation  of  marriage. 

(3)  Prayers. 

(3) 

The    couple    incline    their 

heads      towards      each 

other  :  a  praye  r  follows. 

(4) 

Blessing  of  the  ring,  w 

aich 

(l) 

The      bridegroom      gives 

is   sprinkled    with 

loly 

the    ring    to    the    bride 

water: 

as  a  token  (vardtecken) 
— not  earnest  money 
(pant)  nor  "  brudkop," 
assuring  the  bride  of 
her  position  as  lawful 
wife  :  this  last  was  a 
relic  of  the  purchase 
of  bride. 

(5) 

The  bridegroom  puts 

the 

(5) 

The  bridegroom  puts  the 

ring  on  the  thumb, 

then 

ring     on     the     thumb, 

on  the  index  finger, 

and 

then     on     the     middle 

lastly    on     the     middle 

linger,     and     lastly    on 

linger.    The  priest  says : 

that   next  to  the  Tittle 

"  In    the   name   of 

the 

finger  saying  :    "In  the 

father,"  etc. 

name,"  etc. 

SOLEMNISATION   OF  MATRIMONY         121 


1522. 


1529- 


((>)  Benediction. 


[They  come  into  the  church.) 

(7)  Psalm  cxxviii. 

(8)  Prayers  and  blessing. 

(9)  Mass    for    Trinity 

Sunday. 

(10)  Epistle  :  1.  Cor.  vi.  15-20. 

(11)  Gradual:     Benedictus   es 

domine  qui  .   .   . 

(12)  Gospel  :    Matt.  xix.  3-6. 

(13)  Offertory,  secreta. 

(14)  Preface  to  Sanctus. 

(15)  The   canopy    (pallium)    is 

brought  in  and  held 
over  the  couple.  Mass 
continues. 


Benedictio  Thalami. 

1 )    l'.lcssing  on  the  home. 
(2)   Blessing     on     the     bridal 
pair,    invoking    angelic 
aid. 


(Aulus  Gcllius  quotes 
the  ancient  Greeks  for 
this    custom,    because 
a    very   slender  nerve 
passes  from  that  finger 
alone    and    penetrates 
to  the  heart.) 
(6)  The        congregation        is 
called  on  to   bear  wit- 
ness and  remember  the 
act. 
Gospel :   Matt.  xix.  3-6. 
Admonition  :      "  Remem- 
ber these  words  of  God 
and     set     full     reliance 
thereon  "     (nucleus     of 
the  181 1  Exhortation). 
Salutation  and  Prayer. 
{They  go  to  the  altar.) 


(7) 
(8) 
(9) 

(10) 


Prayer. 

Mass  Commences. 

(presumably  as 
in  the  1525 
Mass,  used  at 
Olaus's  wed- 
ding, now  lost.) 


Epistle 
( Gradual 


(12)  Gospel 


(13) 
(14) 


The     canopy     (pellet)     is 

brought     in     and     held 

over  the  couple.    Prayer. 

(15)  Special  Preface,  and  the 

Mass  continues. 

Blessing  of  the  Bridal 
Home. 

(1)  Blessing  on  the  home. 

(2)  Blessing     on     the     bridal 

pair,    invoking    angelic 
aid. 

E.  E.  Y. 


Since  191 5  the  Church  law  of  Sweden  has  required  all  its 
priests  to  remarry  divorced  persons  if  called  upon  to  do  so,  and 
that,  too,  with  the  service  which  quotes,  like  ours,  the  words 
of  Christ,  "  Those  whom  God  hath  joined  together  let  no  man 
put  asunder."] 
K 


122  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

The  priest  first  gives  this  exhortation  : 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Dear  Christian  people  :  Matrimony  is  instituted  by 
God  himself  for  the  conservation  of  the  community  and 
for  the  mutual  help  of  the  united  pair,  to  lighten  the 
burdens  of  life,  to  alleviate  the  cares  that  beset  them, 
and  by  careful  upbringing  to  prepare  the  happiness  of 
their  posterity.  This  institution  is  holy  ;  its  obligations 
are  holy  ;  its  purpose  is  holy.  The  duty  of  the  man  is 
to  love  and  honour  his  wife,  and  so  seek  to  gain  her  con- 
fidence more  and  more.  Likewise  also  the  wife  ought 
to  meet  her  husband  with  love  and  affection,  to  share 
with  him  in  all  tenderness  the  care  of  their  home,  and  so 
behave  that  she  may  be  unto  him  a  helpmeet.  Man 
and  wife  ought  to  consider  well  that  they  have  entered 
this  estate  in  which  their  common  happiness  requires 
them  to  hold  fast  on  both  sides  unerringly  to  the  bond 
of  matrimony,  by  careful  watch  over  themselves  and 
their  duties,  to  seek  to  gain  each  other's  esteem  and  love, 
and  ever  to  let  their  lights  shine  before  one  another  in 
the  true  fear  of  God.  Wherefore  it  is  very  necessary 
to  pray  God  for  such  a  wife  whose  heart,  open  to  truth 
and  virtue,  knoweth  her  duties  and  the  blessing  in  the 
fulfilment  thereof.  Thus  is  begun  and  continued  a 
marriage  according  to  the  will  of  God.  Thus  is  pro- 
moted through  this  alliance  the  highest  happiness  on 
earth.  To  this  end  likewise  we  pray  the  Almighty 
for  his  grace  and  blessing  upon  this  bridal  pair. 

Then  the  priest  questions  them,  first  the  bridegroom  : 

I  demand  of  thee  N.  N.  before  the  all-knowing  God 
and  in  the  presence  of  this  congregation  [these  witnesses]  x 
wilt  thou  have  this  woman  N.  N.  to  thy  wedded  wife 
and  love  her  for  better  for  worse? 

1  When  the  marriage  takes  place  in  the  presence  of  some  witnesses 
only. 


SOLEMNISATION   OF   MATRIMONY        123 

Answer.  Yea. 

Next  the  bride  : 

I  demand  of  thee  N.  N.  before  the  all-knowing  God 
and  in  the  presence  of  this  congregation  [these  wit- 
nesses] wilt  thou  have  this  man  N.  N.  to  thy  wedded 
husband  and  love  him  for  better  for  worse? 

Answer.  Yea. 

The  pries/  then  takes  the  ring  from  the  bridegroom  and 
prays  : 

0  Lord,  almighty  God,  who  hast  instituted  matri- 
mony to  a  holy,  wise,  and  beneficent  purpose:  We  pray 
thee  look  mercifully  upon  this  bond  which  is  sealed 
with  this  token  before  thee,  and  grant  that  the  vows  be 
fulfilled  upon  this  bridal  pair,  which  thou  hast  given 
unto  all  them  who  without  reproach  live  according  to 
thy  word  and  keep  the  bonds  which  thou  hast  ordained 
for  the  welfare  of  mankind.     Amen. 

The  bridegroom  /lien  A/Ays  the  ring  and  says,  holding  the 
same  all  the  while  together  with  the  bride  : 

1  N.  N.  take  thee  N.  N.  now  to  my  wedded  wife  to 
love  thee  for  better  lor  worse,  and  in  token  thereof  I 
give  thee  this  ring. 

The  bride  ansivers  : 

I  N.  N.  take  thee  N.  N.  now  to  my  wedded  husband, 
to  love  thee  for  better  for  worse,  and  in  token  thereof  I 
accept  this  ring. 

Then  the  bridegroom  puts  the  ring  upon  that  finger  of 
the  bride's  left  hand  which  is  next  the  little  finger,  while 
the  priest  says  : 

Forasmuch  as  ye  have  now  taken  each  other  in  wed- 
lock, I  therefore  as  a  servant  of  Christ,  before  God  and 
this  Christian  congregation  [these  witnesses]  confirm  this 
your  marriage  bond  in  the  Name  of  God  the  Father  and 
the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

Our  Saviour  teaches  us  in  the  19th  chapter  of  the 
evangelist  Matthew  that  marriage  is  a  holy  bond,  which 


124  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

cannot  be  loosed  by  men  at  will  :  "  The  Pharisees  also 
came  unto  Jesus  saying  unto  him,  Is  it  lawful  for  a 
man  to  put  away  his  wife  lor  euery  cause?  And  he 
answered  and  said  unto  them,  Have  ye  not  read,  that  he 
which  made  them  at  the  beginning  made  them  male  and 
female,  and  said,  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  father 
and  mother,  and  shall  cleave  to  his  wife  :  and  they 
twain  shall  be  one  flesh  ?  Wherefore  they  are  no  more 
twain,  but  one  flesh.  What  therefore  God  hath  joined 
together,  let  not  man  put  asunder." 

Then  the  priest  says  to  the  bridal  pair  : 

Consider  the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Never 
forget  that  your  marriage  bond  according  to  God's  will 
is  irrevocable,  and  receive  with  forbearance  and  thanks- 
giving all  that  may  betide  you  alter  God's  ordinance. 

The  priest  says  furthermore  : 

The  Lord  be  with  you  and  guide  you  unto  his  truth 
and  fear  now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 

//  the  canopy  and  nuptial-mass  (brudmassa)  are 
required,  an  cud  is  made  at  this  point,  and  directions  are 
given  below  how  in  these  circumstances  the  service  shall  he 
further  proceeded  with.  Otherwise  the  priest  continues 
to  pray  after  this  manner,  the  bridal  pair  kneeling  : 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  unchangeable  in  grace  and 
mercy :  We  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  fill  the  hearts 
of  these  espoused  with  thy  Holy  Spirit  and  mercifully 
embrace  them  with  all  spiritual  and  bodily  blessing. 
Bless  this  bond,  which  they  have  confirmed  this  day 
before  thee.  Grant  them  grace  that  loyalty  and  happi- 
ness may  ever  meet  together  in  their  home,  and  love  and 
concord  gladden  their  labours,  and  J  the  virtues  of  their 

1  Where  the  man  or  his  wife  have  no  hope  of  childbearing,  or 
have  no  children  from  a  former  marriage,  the  words,  "The  virtues 
.   .   .  years"  are  omitted  according  to  circumstances. 


SOLEMNISATION   OF  MATRIMONY        125 

posterity  cheer  their  latter  years.  Hear  their  prayers, 
()  merciful  God,  and  be  their  defence,  when  they  call 
upon  thee.  Guide  them  with  thy  counsel,  that  when 
the  pilgrimage  of  this  life  is  over  they  may  be  gathered 
into  the  eternal  dwellings  of  the  blessed:  through  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

May  God,  almighty,  send  his  light  and  his  truth  to 
preserve  you  all  the  days  of  your  life.  May  the  hand 
<>i  God  defend  you.  May  his  holy  angels  guard  you. 
God  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit  grant 
that  his  grace  may  be  mightily  upon  you.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  Lord  bless  you,  etc. 

When  the  marriage  takes  place  in  church,  and  the  canopy 
and  the  nuptial-mass  (brudmdssa)  are  required,  which 
latter  must  not  take  place  when  the  bride  is  a  widow  or 
advanced  in  years,  the  bridal  pair  come  forward  before  the 
altar  after  the  sermon  and  the  communion. 

When  the  bridal  pair  have  knell,  the  priest  says: 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  unchangeable  in  grace 
and  mercy :  We  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  fill  the 
hearts  of  these  espoused  with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  grant 
them  thy  blessing  that  they  may  live  well  and  honour- 
ably in  the  union  which  they  have  now  made  one  with 
the  other,  to  thy  pleasure  and  their  own  happiness  in 
this  world  and  in  eternity :  through  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  the  priest  says  or  sings  : 

The  Lord  be  with  }'ou. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

So  may  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

The  priest  : 

Lift  up  your  hearts  to  God. 


126  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Whereafter  the  finest  says  or  sings  : 

Holv  Lord,  almighty  Father,  everlasting  God,  maker 
•  it  heaven  and  earth:  Thou,  who,  after  all  things  were 
made,  didst  make  man  to  rule  over  them,  and,  since  it 
were  not  good  for  man  to  be  alone,  didst  give  him  woman 
for  a  helpmeet :  O  God,  thou  who  hast  joined  together 
man  and  wife  and  given  them  thy  blessing,  look  merci- 
fully at  this  time  upon  these  persons,  who  have  entered 
the  estate  of  matrimony  and  seek  thy  protection. 
Give  them  grace  that  they  may  live  in  love  and  peace, 
in  modesty  and  faithfulness  and  ever  remain  stedfast 
in  thy  fear.  Embrace  them  with  all  spiritual  and  bodily 
blessing  and  suffer  the  virtues  of  their  posterity  to 
gladden  their  old  age  and  give  them  after  this  life  an 
everlasting  blessedness :  (here  the  singing  ends,  and  the 
canopy  is  removed,  after  which  is  read :)  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  who  in  one  true  godhead 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Spirit  for 
ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

May  God,  almighty,  send  his  light  and  his  truth  to 
preserve  you  all  the  days  of  your  life.  May  the  hand 
of  God  defend  you.  May  his  holy  angels  guard  you. 
God  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit  grant 
that  his  grace  may  be  mightily  upon  you.     Amen. 

Then  the  priest  reads  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  Lord  bless  you,  etc. 

Then  the  priest  turns  again  to  the  altar  and  continues 
the  service. 


When  bridegroom  and  bride  arrive  at  the  bride's  home, 
a  wedding  hymn  is  sung,  and  at  the  end  of  the  singing 
the  following  prayer  is  said  : 

Almighty,  eternal  God  :  Give  thy  blessing  upon  this 
the  bride's  home  that  all  they  who  are  here  present 


SOLEMNISATION   OF   MATRIMONY         127 

may  remain  in  peace,  obey  thy  will,  and  so  live  that 
they  may  please  thee  :  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

.  I  nd  the  blessing  : 

The  Lord  bless  us,  etc. 

(The  Swedish  Hymn  Book:  131.  1-3;  335.  2-4 ;  stf. 
1-2 ;  338.  2-3.) 

Blessing  upon  a  Marriage  Contracted  Before 
the  Civil  Authority 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Dear  Christian  people :  Matrimony  is  instituted  of 
God  himself  for  the  conservation  of  the  community  and 
for  the  mutual  help  of  the  united  pair,  to  lighten  the 
burdens  of  life,  to  alleviate  the  cares  that  beset  them, 
and  by  careful  upbringing  to  prepare  the  happiness  of 
their  posterity.  This  institution  is  holy;  its  obliga- 
tions are  holy;  its  purpose  is  holy.  The  duty  of  the 
man  is  to  love  and  honour  his  wife,  and  so  seek  to  gain 
her  confidence  more  and  more.  Likewise  also  the  wife 
ought  to  meet  her  husband  with  love  and  affection,  to 
share  with  him  in  all  tenderness  the  care  of  their  home, 
and  so  behave  that  she  may  be  unto  him  a  helpmeet. 
Man  and  wife  ought  to  consider  well  that  they  have 
entered  this  estate  in  which  their  common  happiness 
requires  them  to  hold  fast  on  both  sides  unerringly  to 
the  bond  of  matrimony,  by  careful  watch  over  them- 
selves and  their  duties  to  seek  to  gain  each  other's 
esteem  and  love,  and  ever  to  let  their  lights  shine  before 
one  another  in  the  true  fear  of  God.  Wherefore  it  is 
very  necessary  to  pray  God  for  such  a  wife  whose  heart, 
open  to  truth  and  virtue,  knoweth  her  duties  and  the 
blessing  in  the  fulfilment  thereof.     Thus  is  begun  and 


128  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

continued  a  marriage  according  to  the  will  of  God. 
Thus  is  promoted  through  this  alliance  the  highest 
happiness  on  earth.  To  this  end  likewise  we  pray  the 
Almighty  for  his  grace  and  blessing  upon  this  bridal 
pair. 

Now  the  priest  receives  the  ring  and  prays  : 

0  Lord,  almighty  God,  who  hast  instituted  matri- 
mony to  a  holy,  wise,  and  beneficent  purpose  :  We  pray 
thee  look  mercifully  upon  this  bond  which  is  sealed  1 
with  this  token,  and  grant  that  the  vows  be  fulfilled 
upon  them,  which  thou  hast  given  unto  all  them  who 
without  reproach  live  according  to  thy  word  and  keep 
the  bonds  which  thou  hast  ordained  for  the  welfare  of 
mankind.     Amen. 

Our  Saviour  teaches  us  in  the  19th  chapter  of  the 
evangelist  Matthew  that  marriage  is  a  holy  bond,  which 
cannot  be  loosed  by  men  at  will  : 

"The  Pharisees  also  came  unto  Jesus,  saying  unto 
him,  Is  it  lawful  for  a  man  to  put  away  his  wife  for 
every  cause?  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them, 
Have  ye  not  read,  that  he  which  made  them  at  the 
beginning  made  them  male  and  female,  and  said,  For 
this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  father  and  mother,  and 
shall  cleave  to  his  wife  :  and  they  twain  shall  be  one 
flesh  ?  Wherefore  they  are  no  more  twain,  but  are  one 
flesh.  What  therefore  God  hath  joined  together,  let 
not  man  put  asunder." 

Then  (he  priest  says  to  the  bridal  pair  : 

Consider  the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Never 
forget  that  your  marriage  bond  according  to  God's  will 
is  irrevocable,  and  receive  with  forbearance  and  thanks- 
giving all  that  may  betide  you  after  God's  ordinance. 

1  //  the  marriage  ring  has  been  given  and  received  beforehand, 
the  priest  says  "has  been  sealed  "  instead  of  "is  sealed."  At 
the  end  of  the  prayer,  the  bridegroom  puts  the  ring  on  the  bride's 
finger. 


SOLEMNISATION    OF    MATRIMONY        129 

The  priest  says  furthermore  : 

The  Lord  be  with  you  and  guide  you  unto  his  truth 
and  tear  now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 

The  priest  continues,  when  the  bridal  pair  have  knelt 
down  : 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  unchangeable  in  grace 
and  mercy  :  We  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  fill  the 
hearts  of  these  espoused  with  thy  Holy  Spirit  and 
mercifully  embrace  them  with  all  spiritual  and  bodily 
blessing.  Bless  this  bond,  which  they  have  confirmed 
this  day  before  thee.  Grant  them  grace  that  loyalty 
and  happiness  may  ever  meet  together  in  their  home, 
and  love  and  concord  gladden  their  labours,  and  1  the 
virtues  of  their  posterity  cheer  their  latter  years.  Hear 
their  prayers,  O  merciful  God,  and  be  their  defence, 
when  they  call  upon  thee.  Guide  them  with  thy 
counsel,  that  when  the  pilgrimage  of  this  life  is  over 
they  may  be  gathered  into  the  eternal  dwellings  of  the 
blessed  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

May  God,  almighty,  send  his  light  and  his  truth  to 
preserve  you  all  the  days  of  your  life.  May  the  hand  of 
God  defend  you.  May  his  holy  angels  guard  you.  God 
the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit  grant  that 
his  grace  may  be  mightily  upon  you.     Amen. 

Then  the  priest  reads  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  Lord  bless  you,  etc. 

1  Where  the  man  or  his  wife  have  no  hope  of  childhearing,  or 
have  no  children  from  a  former  marriage,  the  words,  "  The  virtues 
.  .   .  years,"  are  omitted  according  to  circumstances. 


CHAPTER   X 

THE   CHURCHING   OF   WOMEN  ' 

Married  women  are  churched  in  /his  manner: 
The  woman,  who  is  to  be  churched,  kneels  down,  and 
the  priest  says  the  following  prayer  : 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  who  didst  give  thy  blessing 
upon  man  when  thou  hadst  created  him,  that  he  should 
multiply  and  replenish  the  earth :  We  thank  thee 
that  thou  hast  shewn  mercy  upon  this  mother  [these 
mothers].  O  Lord,  graciously  hear  her  their]  prayer, 
and  may  the  thanksgiving  be  pleasing  to  thee,  which 
she  [they]  reverently  offereth  [offer]  before  thee,  now 
that  she  [they]  may  again  appear  in  thy  holy  house 
restored  to  health  and  strength.  Embrace  her  [them] 
with  thv  mercy,  and  grant  that  the  blessing  thou  hast 
promised  to  them  that  fear  thee  may  rest  upon  her 
[them]  and  her  [their]  household  [s].  Sanctify  her 
[their]  heart[s]  that  it  [they]  may  bear  unto  thee  the 

1  [In  the  earliest  form  of  this  service,  the  woman  was  received 
at  the  church  door,  and  a  candle  was  placed  in  her  hand  :  she 
wore  a  veil.  The  Priest  led  her  by  the  hand,  after  sprinkling 
her  with  holy  water.  A  relic  of  this  seems  to  survive  in  the 
Swedish  service,  where  the  Priest,  taking  her  hand,  says  :  "  May 
the  Lord  lead  thee  in  his  truth  and  fear  both  now  and  evermore."' 
Anciently  her  offering  included  the  Chrisom,  which  was  the 
baptismal   robe  for  the   child. 

The  tendency  is  for  churching  of  women  to  fall  into  disuse ; 
in  some  places  it  has  entirely  ceased  and  requires  reviving. 
Where  it  is  administered,  this  office,  peculiarly  enough,  is  per- 
formed sometimes  not  in  church,  and  this  although  the  mother 
offers  her  thanksgiving  (according  to  the  Swedish  handbook) 
in  order  that  she  may  enter  the  sanctuary  with  renewed  strength, 
-J.H.S.] 

130 


THE  CHURCHING   OF  WOMEN  131 

rich  fruits  of  faith,  of  hope,  and  of  trust,  and  grant  that 
she  [they]  may  joyfully  fulfil  her  [their]  worthy  calling 

and  enjoy  thy  blessing  :  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Then  the  woman  stands  up  and  the  priest  lakes  her  by 
the  hand  and  says  : 

May  the  Lord  lead  thee  in  his  truth  and  fear  both  now 
and  for  evermore.     Amen. 

For  a  mother  whose  child  has  been  stillborn,  or  has  died 
before  the  mother's  churching,  the  following  prayer  is  used  : 

O  Lord,  thou  hast  given  unto  this  mother  the  fruit 
of  the  womb  lifeless,  and  in  place  of  the  joy,  that  she 
hoped  for,  hast  visited  her  with  affliction  [turned  this 
mother's  joy  into  sorrow,  in  that  thou  hast  taken  again 
her  tender  infant  child  from  this  life].  But  thou  hast 
also  mercifully  helped  her  and  restored  her  to  health 
and  strength,  that  now  again  she  can  come  to  thy  holy 
house.  Therefore  we  heartily  thank  thee  with  her  and 
pray  thee  to  grant  her  grace  to  bow  herself  humbly  to 
thy  pleasure.  Comfort  her  in  her  affliction  and  sanctify 
her  heart,  that  she  may  seek  that  which  is  above,  and 
find  in  thee  the  solace  of  her  heart  and  her  portion : 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  the  woman  stands  up  and  the  priest  takes  her  by 
the  hand  and  says  : 

May  the  Lord  lead  thee  in  his  truth  and  fear  both 
now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


When  other  women  are  to  be  churched,  who  have  given 
birth  to  children  before  being  wed,  provided  a  promise  of 
marriage  has  been  given,  the  office  is  performed  with  this 
prayer : 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  who  hast  instituted 
marriage  to  be  held  purely  and  honourably  among  men  : 


132  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Look  mercifully  upon  this  woman  who  hath  offended 
against  thy  commandment  and  wantonly  broken  thy 
statutes.     Forgive   her   this   sin    and   grant   her  grace 

hereafter  to  live  a  chaste  and  Christian  life  according 
to  thy  holy  ordinance  :  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

May  the  Lord  lead  thee  in  his  truth  and  fear  both 
now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


CHAPTER   XI 
THE    BURIAL   SERVICE 

At  a  burial  service  the  priest  casts  earth  upon  the  corpse 
thrice  with  a  shovel  and  says  :  x 

From  dust  thou  art  come  and  unto  dust  thou  shalt 
return.  Jesus  Christ,  our  Saviour,  shall  raise  thee  up 
in  the  last  day. 

Let  us  pray. 

Hereafter  is  said  either  : 

Almighty,  merciful  and  everlasting  God,  thou  who 
by  reason  of  sin  hast  appointed  unto  man  that  he  must 
die  :  Thou,  who  also,  that  we  might  not  for  ever  remain 
in  the  power  of  death,  hast  laid  death  upon  thine  only- 
begotten  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  who  had  no  sin,  and  thus 
through  his  death  hast  so  transformed  our  death  that 
it  shall  not  hurt  us.  Turn  now  thy  fatherly  coun- 
tenance toward  us  and  grant  us  grace  that  we  may  each 
so  perform  this  burial  for  himself  that  we  may  earnestly 
consider  how  that  our  bodies  likewise,  when  thou  pleasest 
to  call  us  hence,  shall  return  again  unto  dust,  and  ponder 
well  in  our  hearts  that  in  this  world  we  have  no  abiding 
city.  Grant  us  grace,  merciful  Father,  to  seek  that 
which  is  eternal,  and  so  to  walk  in  thy  holy  will  at  all 
times,  that  in  the  last  day  we  may  rise  again  to  ever- 
lasting life  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

1  //  a  burial  address  is  to  be  preached,  it  is  most  convenient  that 
it  take  j^lace  before  the  burial  service. 

133 


134  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

Or,1 
O   Lord  God,  thou,  who    for  their  sins  sufferest  men 

to  die  and  turn  to  dust  again,  leach  us  rightly  to  con- 
sider how  few  our  days  are,  that  we  may  attain  a  wise 
heart  :  Grant  us  a  true  faith  in  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ, 
who  was  slain  for  our  sins  and  raised  again  for  our 
justification,  and  liveth  for  ever.  Give  us  grace  to  die 
daily  from  sin  and  live  according  to  thy  holy  will,  that 
in  the  hour  of  death  we  may  be  found  in  Christlike 
readiness  for  a  blessed  departure  hence.  Receive  then 
our  souls  unto  thyself,  and  suffer  our  bodies,  when  they 
have  rested  in  their  graves,  to  rise  on  the  last  day  to 
everlasting  life.     Amen. 

Or* 

O  Lord  Cod,  Father  in  heaven.  O  Lord,  the  Son  of 
God,  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  O  Lord,  thou  Holy 
Spirit.  Have  mercy  upon  us.  In  our  uttermost  need, 
at  the  last  judgment  help  us,  merciful  Lord  God.     Amen. 

Let  us  now  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord  concerning 
the  dead  and  the  resurrection. 

Then  arc  read  some  suitable  passages  from  Scrip/are, 
selected,  for  example,  from  those  quoted  hereafter,  as  well  as 
suitable  hymns  or  verses  from  the  hymn  book,  (i  Thess. 
iv.  13-14;  John  xi.  25-26;  v.  2CS-29;  Job  xiv.  1-2 
Ps.  exxxix.  23-24;  xxxix.  5-9;  Heb.  ix.  27;  Rev.  xiv 
13;  Ps.  lxxiii.  22-25;  xc-  I_6 ;  exxx.  1-5;  xc.  7-9, 
10-12;  Isa.  lvii.  2;  Phil.  i.  21;  John  v.  24-29;  xiv. 
2-3;  xvii.  24;  Rom.  viii.  10-11,17-18;  xiv.  7-9;  1  Cor. 
xv.  19-23,  50,  53-57-) 


(The  Swedish  Hymn  Book  : 

For  Infants  and  Young  Persons 
187.  7-10;  493.  1-5;  494.  1-4. 

1  This  alternative  may  not  be  used,  if  av  attar  service  follows. 

2  Here  a  hymn,  or  verse  of  a  hymn,  may  be  read. 


BURIAL   SERVICE  135 

For  Older  Persons  and  in  General 

26.  1  ;  221.  3  ;  387.  4-6 ;  424.  6-9  ;  44S.  1-3  ;  452. 1-2 

454-  1  7;  459-2  ():  4(,(»-  '  >s  :  471-  1-8;  474-  i"4J  47s- 
1  4;  480.1-3;  484.1-5;  486.1-7;  487.1-7;  489,  1  6; 
490.  1-5;  491.  1-4;  492.  1-12;  499.5-7.) 

Then  is  read  Our  Father  and  the  blessing: 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  Lord  bless  us,  etc. 

When  a  burial  is  combined  with  altar  service,  the  burial 
ceremony  is  concluded  at  the  side  of  the  coffin  with  the 
Our  Father,  after  which  a  short  hymn  is  sung  during  which 
the  priest  goes  to  the  altar.  At  the  end  of  the  singing  the 
priest  sings  : 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 

To  which  the  congregation  answers  : 

So  may  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

Afterwards  the  priest  sings  or  says  the  following  prayer  : 

O  Lord  God,  thou,  who  for  their  sins  sui'ferest  men 
to  die  and  turn  to  dust  again,  teach  us  rightly  to 
consider  how  few  our  days  are,  that  we  may  attain  a 
wise  heart  :  Grant  us  a  true  faith  in  thy  Son,  Jesus 
Christ,  who  was  slain  for  our  sins  and  raised  again  for 
our  justification,  and  liveth  for  ever.  Grant  us  grace 
to  die  daily  from  sin  and  live  according  to  thy  holy 
will,  that  in  the  hour  of  death  we  may  be  found  in 
Christlike  readiness  for  a  blessed  departure  hence. 
Receive  then  our  souls  unto  thyself,  and  suffer  our 
bodies,  when  they  have  rested  in  their  graves,  to  rise 
on  the  last  day  to  everlasting  life.     Amen. 

Then ,  if  it  be  convenient,  one  or  two  of  the  following  burial 
antiphons  may  be  sung  by  the  priest  and  the  congregation  : 

The  priest : 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days, 

The  congregation  : 

That  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 


136  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Or, 
The  priest : 

I  know  that  my  redeemer  liveth, 
The  congregation  : 
And  he  shall  raise  me  at  the  last  from  the  earth. 

Or, 
The  priest : 

Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord, 
The  congregation  : 

They  shall  rest  from  their  labours,  and  their  works 
do  follow  them. 

Or, 
The  priest  : 

To  me  to  live  is  Christ, 
The  congregation  : 
And  to  die  is  gain. 

Lastly  the  priest  says  : 

Bow  your  hearts  to  God  and  receive  the  blessing. 

The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you  ;  the  Lord 
make  his  countenance  to  shine  upon  you  and  be 
gracious  unto  you  ;  the  lord  turn  his  countenance 
toward  you  and  give  you  peace  ! 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son 
and  the  Holy  Ghost.  Amen. 

When  a  burial  is  combined  with  a  funeral  sermon,  tliis 
follows  after  the  Our  Father  at  the  burial,  and  is  preceded 
by  a  couple  of  verses  of  a  hymn.  The  funeral  sermon  is 
concluded  with  the  following  prayer  : 

O  Lord  God,  heavenly  Father,  thou  who  hast  not 
spared  thine  only-begotten  Son,  but  given  him  for  us 
all  :  We  most  heartily  thank  thee  that  thou  through 
his  burying  hast  hallowed  our  graves  to  be  places  of 
rest,  and  pray  thee,  that  thou  through  thy  Holy  Spirit 


BURIAL  SERVICE  137 

wouldesi  grant  him  likewise  a  place  of  rest  in  our  hearts, 
that  he  may  abide  in  us,  and  we,  after  cross  and  affliction, 
may  come  unto  peace  in  our  graves,  there  to  await  a 
blessed  resurrection:  through  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  a  short  hymn  is  sung,  during  which  the  priest  goes 
up  to  the  altar  and  concludes  the  burial  rile  as  set  forth 
above. 

At  the  burial  of  a  stillborn  child,  the  priest  says  : 

Dear  Christian  people  :  We  are  laying  here  in  God's 
acre  a  grain  of  corn,  the  earthly  dwelling  of  a  little 
child,  whose  life  hath  been  so  soon  extinguished.  The 
Lord  hath  shewn  us  anew  that  his  thoughts  and  ways 
are  not  ours.  But  we  know  well  that  these  his  thoughts 
and  ways,  albeit  they  are  incomprehensible,  yet  are  good- 
ness and  truth,  and  that  he  in  mercy  remembereth  his 
handiwork,  and  especially  all  his  redeemed.  Therefore 
are  we  also  certain  that  not  even  this  tender  child  is 
forgotten  before  him.  We  put  our  hope  in  his  unfathom- 
able love.     His  name  be  praised  for  ever.     Amen. 

Then  the  priest  casts  earth  upon  the  corpse  thrice  with  a 
shovel  saying  at  the  same  time  : 

From  dust  thou  art  come.  Unto  dust  thou  shalt 
return. 

Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour  shall  raise  thee  up  in  the 
last  day. 

Then  is  read  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  Lord  bless  us,  etc. 


CHAPTER   XII 

THE   CONSECRATION    OF   A    NEW    CHURCH,   ETC. 

When  the  Bishop,  or  he  whom  the  Bishop  appoints  to 
perform  the  consecration  of  the  church,  has  previously 
given  notice  of  the  day  when  the  ceremony  shall  take  place, 
some  of  the  neighbouring  Incumbents  are  called  together, 
where  they  may  be  had,  or  otherwise  other  Priests,  to  appear 
as  assistants  thereat. 

The  ceremony  is  begun  with  the  singing  of  a  hymn,  during 
which  the  Priests,  wearing  their  robes,  proceed  to  the  altar  : 
first  the  assistants  and  then  the  Bishop,  or  such  as  he 
appoints.  The  Bishop  goes  inside  the  altar  rail  and  the 
assistants  stand  on  each  side  without.  'Then  the  Bishop 
and  the  assistants  kneel  in  silent  prayer. 

When  the  hymn  is  finished,  the  Bishop,  turning  to  the 
altar,  says  : 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord  God  of  Sabaoth  :  The 
heavens  and  the  earth  are  full  of  thy  glory.  Fulfil  now 
this  thine  house  with  thy  honour  and  glory,  and  the 
hearts  of  all  faithful  Christians  for  thy  holy  name's 
sake. 

The  congregation  sings  : 

Amen,  Amen,  Amen. 

Then  the  Bishop  turns  to  the  congregation  and  gives 
an  address  suitable  to  the  occasion,  and  when  that  is 
finished,  he  says  : 

Let  us  hear  the  promise  and  exhortation  of  God's 
Word. 

Then  the  assistants  read  aloud  the  following  passages, 
for  example;    Lx.   xx,  24;    Gen.   xxviii.  17;    Ps.  v.  7; 


CONSECRATION   OF  A   NEW  CHURCH     139 

xxiv.  3  -5;  xliii.  3,  4;  lxiii.  3,  5;  lxxxiv,  1-5;  Is.  ii.  3; 
lvii.  ij]  Eccles.  v.  1;  Luke  xix.  46;  John  iv.  23;  Heb. 
x.  23-25. 

When  the  assistants  have  finished,  the  Bishop  says  : 

The  Lord  give  us  grace  to  keep  these  words  faithfully 
in  our  hearts. 

Let  us  invoke  a  blessing  upon  this  sanctuary  in  united 
prayer. 

The  Bishop  turns  lo  the  altar,  kneels  down  with  the 
assistants  and  prays  : 

Praised  be  thou,  eternal,  almighty  Lord,  God  of  the 
fathers  and  of  the  children,  thou  who  hast  chosen  us 
for  thy  people  and  heritage  in  thy  Son,  jesus  Christ, 
who  is  the  Head  of  the  Church,  and  hath  granted  us  to 
build  a  sanctuary  in  this  place  to  the  glory  of  thy  Name, 
where  we  may  be  gathered  together  for  thy  service  and 
worship.  Behold,  the  heaven  and  all  the  heaven  of 
heavens  cannot  contain  thee.  Plow  much  less,  then,  this 
house  that  we  have  built.  Yet  wilt  thou  dwell  among 
us,  and  thy  Son  hath  promised  :  "  Where  two  or  three 
are  gathered  together  in  my  Name,  there  am  I  in  the 
midst  of  them."  So  now  may  the  presence  of  thy  grai  e 
be  known  to  all  who  come  here  to  worship  thee.  Pour 
out  thy  Spirit  upon  those  who  teach  and  those  who 
hear,  that  thy  holy  word  may  be  ever  purely  and  clearly 
preached  in  this  place  and  preserved  in  faithful  hearts. 
Vouchsafe  to  awaken  the  careless  through  thy  word, 
give  sight  and  hearing  to  the  spiritually  blind  and 
deaf,  heal  the  broken  hearts,  deliver  them  that  arc 
bound  in  sin,  strengthen  the  weak,  and  give  thy  peace 
to  them  that  are  vexed  in  spirit.  Keep,  O  merciful  God, 
in  thy  fellowship  the  children  who  are  here  dedicated 
to  thee  in  baptism.  Grant  them  that  come  here  to  the 
meal  of  reconciliation,  that  they  may  seek  thy  grace  in 
repentance,  and  find  salvation  and  eternal  happiness  in 


140  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Jesus  Christ.  Hear  the  prayers  which  shall  be  offered 
to  thee  in  this  place,  and  grant  the  desires  of  thy  people 
that  are  according  to  thy  will.  Make  thy  face,  O  triune 
God,  to  shine  upon  all  those  who  enter  here  and  depart. 
Bring  us  all  through  this  our  time  to  thy  heavenly 
city,  and  grant  us  finally  to  serve  and  worship  thee 
perfectly  in  the  sanctuary  above.  To  thee  be  praise 
and  honour  for  ever  and  ever. 

The  congregation  sings  :  Amen. 

After  the  prayer  the  Bishop  turns  to  the  congregation 
and  says  : 

And  now  may  this  temple  be  dedicated  to  the  Lord 
for  his  service  and  worship. 

Blessed  be  these  walls  which  shall  resound  with  the 
praise  of  the  Lord. 

Blessed  be  this  place  in  which  the  gospel  of  Christ 
shall  be  preached. 

Blessed  be  this  place,  in  which  the  Lord  shall  receive 
through  the  waters  of  baptism  new  members  into  his 
kingdom. 

Blessed  be  this  altar,  where  the  sacrifice  of  prayer 
shall  be  offered  to  the  Lord  and  the  bod}'  and  blood  of 
Jesus  Christ  given  for  us  ministered  to  his  congregation. 

Blessed  be  this  house,  that  the  clamour  and  the 
unc leanness  of  the  world  may  remain  afar  from  it,  and 
that  the  congregation  of  saints  may  find  here  a  refuge 
under  the  shadow  of  God's  wing. 

The  congregation  sings  :  Amen. 

The  Bishop  says  : 

Peace  be  upon  this  house. 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

The  Bishop  turns  to  the  altar  and  prays  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

The  Bishop  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  : 

Praise  ye  now  God  in  his  new  sanctuary. 


CONSECRATION   OF  A   NEW  CHURCH     141 

Let  everything  that  hath  breath  praise  the  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  a  hymn  of  praise,  e.  g.  268,  270, 
or  272. 

Lastly,  the  Bishop  says  : 

Bow  your  hearts  to  God  and  receive  the  blessing. 

The  Lord  bless  you,  etc. 

At  the  end  a  suitable  hymn  is  sung,  after  which  the 
ordinary  service  begins. 


Prayers  to  be  Read  after  the  General  Inter- 
cession on  the  Day  on  which  a  Church  is 
Consecrated 

Praised  be  thou,  O  merciful  Saviour,  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  thou  Head  of  the  Church  and  shepherd  of  our 
souls,  that  thou  hast  this  day  so  graciously  fed  us  with 
thy  holy  word,  and  therewith  given  us  the  first  testi- 
mony that  thou  wilt  come  to  us  and  bless  us  in  this 
place,  where  thou  hast  now  established  a  memorial  of 
thy  Name.  O  grant  that  thy  word  may  dwell  abun- 
dantly among  us  henceforth  and  for  evermore,  and  that 
the  utterance  thereof  may  work  mightily  in  our  hearts. 
We  have  offended  against  thy  holy  commandments  in 
many  ways  and  despised  and  misused  thy  gracious 
gospel.  Against  thee  have  we  sinned  and  done  evil 
before  thee.  Yet,  Lord,  remove  not  thy  candlestick 
from  us,  but  give  us  grace  that  in  thy  new  temple  we 
may  rejoice  with  new  hearts  in  the  clear  light  of  thy 
word,  that  we  ourselves  may  shine  in  thee,  ever  walk  as 
children  of  the  light,  and  finally  be  for  ever  blessed 
through  thee  in  heavenly  glory.     Amen. 


A  new  altar  may  be  consecrated  immediately  before  the 
beginning  of  High  Mass  with  an  address,  which  is  to  In- 
given  from  the  altar,  when  the  ceremony  is  begun  and  ended 
with  a  hymn. 


142  THE    SWEDISH   RITE 

When  a  new  font  is  first  time,  the  P>. 

according  to  his  discretion,  give  a  short  address  in 
rence  to  it  in:  before  the  ceremony. 

the  day  that  a  new  pulpit,  or  church  bell,  is  to  be  used 
for  the  first  time,  the  Priest  may,  if  he  think  fit,  make  suit- 

reference  to  it  in  his  sermon.     So.  too,  when  a  i 
orgtin  is  to  be  used  for  the  first  time  ;    though  an  organ 
may  likewise  be  consecrated  in  the  same  way  as  an  altar 
ribed  ab' 

i  nsecrated  by  a  Bishop,  or  him  whom 
he  has  appointed  in  the  following  manner.  First,  an 
address  is  given  :  then,  the  assistants  read  aloud  the  under- 
mentioned passages  from  Scripture,  or  others  suitable  to 
the  occasion,  which  are  pr.  berforms  the 

ecraiion  with  these 
I  et  us  now  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord  concerning  the 
dead  and  the  resurrection.       Ps.ciii.  15'1?  '•  xc-  I-4i  l"- 
12  :  Isa.  lvii.  1-2  :  xxvi.  19-20  :  Rev.  xiv.  13  :  1  Cor.  xv. 

42-440 

Then  follow  the  actual  Hon  : 

I  this  cemetery  be  hereby  consecrated  in  the  Name 
God,  the  Father  and  the  Sou  and  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Amen. 

Then  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

Then  the  burial  of  the  dead  may  take  ;  if  such 

occurs. 

Lastly,  the  blessing  is 

The  Lord  bi  -    etc. 

The  ceremony  is  commenced  and  finished  with  a  short 
hymn. 

.'  the  consecration  cannot  be  performed  in  this  more 
cerononious  manner,  it  is  done  by  the  local  Incumbent, 
with  a  short  address  and  prayer  on  the  occasion  of  the  first 
burial  of  the  dead  in  the  new  place. 


CHAPTER   XIII 

HOW    A   BISHOP   SHALL   BE   SET   IN   HIS   OFFICE 

This  should  be  performed  after  previous  proclamation 
and  prayer  from  the  pulpit  on  a  Sunday  or  Holy-day  in 
the  cathedral,  provided  no  legal  impediment  exists. 

At  the  end  of  service,  the  ceremony  is  begun  with  a  hymn, 
during  which  there  advance  to  the  altar,  first,  Priests,  wearing 
chasubles,  bearing  the  cope  and  other  episcopal  insignia ; 
next,  the  Bishop  who  is  to  be  set  in  office ;  and  after  him,  the 
Archbishop,  or  that  Bishop  who  is  appointed  in  his  place, 
and  the  Assistant  Priests,  wearing  chasubles.  The  Arch- 
bishop goes  up  to  the  altar,  and  his  assistants  lake  their 
places  on  each  side  of  the  altar  rail ;  bishops,  however, 
■when  they  assist,  should  fake  their  places  within  the  altar 
rail  on  both  sides  of  the  Archbishop,  wearing  their  robes. 
The  Bishop  who  is  to  be  consecrated  takes  Ins  place  in  the 
choir  opposite  the  altar.  The  cope  is  put  aside  on  the  altar 
rail. 

.  Ifler  the  hymn  is  sung,  the  Archbishop  says  : 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

Then  the  Archbishop  gives  his  address,  and  when  thai 
is  finished  lie  says  : 

Let  us  pray. 

7  hen  he  turns  to  the  altar  and  prays,  while  the  rest  knee! 
nn'th  him  : 

Almighty,  eternal  God,  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ:  Thou  hast  thyself  commanded  ns  to  pray  for 
labourers  in  thy  harvest.     Vouchsafe  in  thy  mercj    t<> 

143 


i44  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

send  us  honest  teachers,  and  plant  thy  holy  and  whole- 
some word  in  their  heart  and  mouth.  Grant  them 
grace  to  give  heed  rightly  to  themselves  and  to  the 
doctrine,  and  faithfully  to  fulfil  thy  commands.  Give 
us,  Lord,  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  thy  word  may  ever 
remain  among  us,  to  grow  up  and  bear  abundant  fruit, 
and  that  thy  servants  may  duly  bear  witness  to  thee 
with  upright  minds,  that  thy  holy  Christian  Church  may 
be  edified  thereby,  and  serve  thee  in  firm  faith  and 
remain  stedfast  in  the  knowledge  of  thee  :  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  Archbishop  then  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  : 

Let  the  Royal  commission  for  the  appointed  Bishop 
be  now  read  aloud. 

Then  the  Registrar  reads  the  commission  and  hands  it 
afterwards  to  the  Archbishop,  who  says  : 

After  receiving  a  call,  thou  hast  to-day  come  forward 
to  the  altar  of  the  Lord  to  be  set  in  the  Bishop's  Office 
in  the  diocese  of  N.N.  But  in  order,  dear  brother,  that 
thou  with  us,  and  we  with  thee,  may  rightly  consider 
the  sacredness  of  thy  calling,  we  will  now  hear  the 
promise  and  exhortation  of  God's  Word. 

Then  the  assistants  read  the  following  passages  :  (Matt, 
xxviii.  18-20  ;  John  xxi.  15-17  ;  Eph.  iv.  10-12  ;  Acts  xx. 
28  ;  Tit.  i.  7-9  ;  1  Tim.  iv.  14-15  ;  v.  21-22  ;  1  Pet.  v.  2-4  ; 
Luke  xii.  42-44,  48). 

After  that  the  Archbishop  says  : 

The  Lord  grant  thee  grace  to  keep  these  words  faith- 
fully in  thy  heart.  Let  them  be  a  guide  for  thy  life,  a 
reminder  of  thy  responsibility.  Let  them  increase  thy 
vigilance,  let  them  inflame  thy  zeal,  to  sanctify  thyself 
unto  the  service  of  the  Chief  Shepherd,  to  the  care  of 
the  diocese  which  hath  been  committed  to  thee. 

The  Church  of  God  expecteth  of  thee,  that  thou  bear 
in  mind  the  importance  of  the  Bishop's  Office,  which 


A  BISHOP  SET   IN   HIS   OFFICE  145 

to-day  is  committed  to  thee,  together  with  the  holy 
duties  it  imposeth  upon  thee,  and  that  thou  by  faithful 
prayer  to  God  in  the  Name  of  Jesus  seek  grace  and 
power  to  shew  thyself  a  true  servant  of  the  Lord  in  the 
exercise  of  this  office.  The  Lord  help  thee  to  fight  the 
good  fight  of  the  faith,  to  lay  hold  upon  eternal  life  and 
to  make  a  good  confession. 

Confess   now   before   God   and   his   congregation   the 
Christian  faith. 

The  Bishop  makes  his  confession  of  faith  : 
I  believe  in  God,  etc. 

When  the  confession  has  been  made,  the  Archbishop  says  : 
The  Lord  God  give  thee  grace  to  remain  stedfast  in 
this  faith  unto  the  end,  and  to  strengthen  them  therein 
who  are  thy  brethren  in  the  faith. 

Then  the  Archbishop  puts  the  following  questions  : 
Dost  thou  declare  thyself  willing  in  the  Name  of  the 
Holy  Trinity  to  undertake  the  office  of  Bishop  in  the 
diocese  of  N.N.  ? 
Answer:   Yea. 

Wilt  thou  strive  to  fulfil  this  office  in  all  its  parts 
rightly  and  worthily  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salva- 
tion of  souls? 
Answer :   Yea. 

Wilt  thou,  then,  ever  remain  in  God's  pure  word,  flee 
from  all  false  and  heretical  doctrine,  and  diligently  see 
to  it  that  according  to  God's  Word  Jesus  Christ  is  rightly 
preached  and  the  holy  sacraments  administered  after 
his  institution  ? 
Answer :   Yea. 

Wilt  thou  likewise  so  direct  thy  life,  that  it  may  be 
an  example  to  the  faithful  and  an  offence  to  no  one? 
Answer  :   Yea. 

Wilt  thou  also  watch  over  it,  that  all  things  may  be 
done   in    the   congregation    in    an    orderly    and    decent 


146  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

manner,  warding  <>ii  all  adversity  and  promoting  every- 
thing that  edifieth  the  kingdom  of  Christ  ? 

Answer  :    Yea. 

Then  the  Archbishop  says  : 

Almighty  God  strengthen  and  help  thee  to  fulfil  these 
promises.  And  according  to  the  commission,  which  is 
entrusted  to  me  for  this  purpose  on  God's  behalf  by  his 
Church,  I  commit  to  thee  herewith  the  office  of  Bishop 
in  the  diocese  of  N.N.,  in  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father 
and  the  Son  and  the  Holv  Spirit.     Amen. 

The  Bishop  kneels,  and  the  choir,  softly  accompanied 
by  the  organ,  commences  singing  Hymn  132. 

( )  thou  Holy  Spirit,  come  unto  us ;  with  grace  and 
pea<  c  abide  in  the  hearts  of  tin*  faithful  ones  ;  kindle  in 
them  the  living  fire  of  thy  love  and  keep  them,  thou, 
who  gatherest  the  people  of  every  tongue  and  nation, 
united  in  the  faith  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Ifalleluia  ! 
If  alleluia! 

During  /he  singing  the  Archbishop  delivers  to  him  who 
is  being  set  in  office,  first  the  Royal  commission  and  then 
the  pectoral  cross,  which  he  hangs  on  his  breast.  Then  the 
ass, slants  pat  the  cope  on  the  Bishop,  after  which  the 
Archbishop  delivers  to  him  the  pas/oral  staff.  At  the  end 
of  the  singing  the  Bishop  kneels,  the  Archbishop  and  the 
assistants  lav  their  hands  on  his  head,  and  the  Archbishop 
prays  : 

Our  Father,  etc. 

J  hereafter  the  mitre  is  put  on  :   when  this  is  done,  the 
.  I  rchbishop  goes  back  to  the  altar  and  says,  while  the  Bishop 
still  kneels  ; 
L(  1  us  pray. 

1  hen  he  tarns  In  /he  altar  and  offers  the  following  prayer  : 
We  thank  thee,  almighty  Cod,  merciful  Father,  thai 
thou    in  thine  infinite   love    hast  given   us   thine   only- 
begotten  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  as  a  Saviour,  w  ho,  alter  that 


A  BISHOP  SET  TX   HIS  OFFICE  14; 

he  redeemed  us  by  his  death,  and  ascended  above  all 
heavens,  hath  richly  poured  his  gifts  upon  men,  and,  for 
the  edifying  of  his  Church,  set  some  apostles,  some 
prophets,  sonic  evangelists,  some  pastors  and  teachers. 
We  pray  thee,  vouchsafe  to  this  thy  servant,  who  is 
now  set  as  overseer  of  the  congregation,  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  he  may  be  ever  ready  with  the  gospel  of  peace, 
and  so  fulfil  the  office,  which  is  committed  to  him,  that 
he  destroy  not  but  edify,  harm  not  but  help.  Suffer 
him  not  to  neglect  the  gift  which  is  in  him,  but  to 
persevere  in  prayer,  ponder  thy  word,  read,  admonish 
and  teach.  Grant  him  in  honour  and  dishonour,  in 
ill  repute  and  good  repute,  to  shew  himself  in  all  things 
thy  servant,  in  much  patience,  in  labours,  in  watchings, 
in  fastings,  in  pureness  of  heart,  in  understanding,  in 
long-suffering,  in  mercy,  in  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  love 
unfeigned,  in  the  word  of  truth,  in  the  power  of  God, 
with  the  weapons  of  righteousness  on  the  right  hand 
and  on  the  left;  that,  as  a  faithful  and  wise  steward, 
who  fed  thy  household  in  the  right  time,  he  may  at  last 
attain  everlasting  joy:  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
who  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Spirit  liveth  and  reigneth 
in  one  godhead  lor  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Then  /he  Archbishop  litriis  to  him  that  has  been  set  in 
office  and  stirs  : 

Bow  thine  heart  to  God  and  receive  the  blessing. 

The  Lord  bless  and  keep  thee;  the  Lord  make 
his  countenance  to  shine  upon  thee  and  be  gracious 
unto  thee  j  the  lord  turn  his  countenan'ci  toward 
thee  and  give  thee  peace. 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son 
and  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

At  flic  end  a  hymn  is  sung,  during  which  the  . !  rchbishop, 
the  Bishops  and  /he  others  return  to  /he  sacristy. 


148  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

Proclamation  and  Prayer,  which  should  be  read 
aloud  from  the  pulpit  after  the  sermon  with 
its  accompanying  prayer,  on  the  day  when  a 
Bishop  is  to  be  set  in  Office. 

At  the  end  of  service  N.N.  is  to  be  set  in  office  as  Bishop 
in  the  N.N.  diocese.  This  Christian  congregation  is 
exhorted  therefore  to  ask  the  Lord  God  for  grace  and 
blessing  in  united  praver  for  him. 

Let  us  pray. 

Merciful  God,  Father  of  love  :  We  most  heartily  thank 
thee,  that  thou  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  insti- 
tuted in  the  world  the  preaching-office  that  thou  hast 
mercifully  preserved  the  same  among  us  even  to  this 
time,  and  moreover,  as  God  of  order,  hast  ordained 
them,  who  shall  have  the  oversight,  that  all  things  in 
the  Church  may  be  done  decently  and  in  order.  We  pray 
thee  that  thou,  through  thy  Holy  Spirit,  wilt  direct  and 
rule  all  faithful  teachers  in  thy  Church,  that  the  pure 
truth  of  thy  word  may  ever  be  proclaimed.  Grant 
wisdom,  power  and  grace  to  thy  servant,  who  is  now  to 
be  set  in  the  office  of  Bishop,  that  by  his  service  thy  great 
Name  may  be  duly  honoured  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ 
more  and  more  glorified  in  his  Church.     Amen. 


CHAPTER   XIV 
CONSECRATION    TO   THE  OFFICE  OF   PRIESTHOOD 

This  should  lake  place  in  Ihe  cathedral,  after  previous 
notice  and  prayer  from  the  pulpit,  provided  no  legal  impedi- 
ment exists. 

At  the  end  of  service  a  hymn  is  sung,  during  which  the 
Ordinands  (ordinandi),  wearing  albs,  together  with  the 
Assistant  Priests  and  the  Bishop,  proceed  to  the  altar  and 
take  their  places  in  the  accustomed  manner.  Chasubles  are 
placed  beforehand  on  the  altar  rail  in  the  order  in  which  the 
Ordinands  stand. 

When  the  hymn  has  been  sung,  the  Bishop,  turning  to  the 
congregation,  says  : 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Sun  and  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Let  us  pray. 

The  Bishop  turns  to  the  altar  and  prays  : 

O  Lord  God,  dear  heavenly  Father,  thou  who  teachest 
and  governest  the  hearts  of  thy  faithful  ones  with  thy 
Holy  Spirit :  Grant  unto  us  that  we  may  be  enlightened 
with  the  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  ever  have  our  joy 
in  thy  comfort  and  strength  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

The  congregation  sings  :   Amen. 

Then  the  Bishop  gives  his  address,  and  when  that  is 
concluded,  he  says  : 

Let  us  pray. 

Then  he  turns  to  the  altar  and  prays,  while  the  rest  kneel 
with  him  : 

Almighty,  eternal  God,  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
I49 


150  THE   SWEDISH    RITE 

Christ,  thou  hast  thyself  commanded  us  to  pray  for 
labourers  in  thy  harvest  :  Vouchsafe  in  thy  mercy  to 
scud  us  honest  teachers,  and  plant  thy  holy  and  whole- 
some word  in  their  heart  and  mouth.  Grant  them  grace 
to  give  heed  rightly  to  themselves  and  to  the  doctrine,  and 
faithfully  to  fulfil  thy  commands.  Give  us,  Lord,  thy 
Holy  Spirit,  that  thy  word  may  ever  remain  among  us,  to 
grow  up  and  bear  abundant  fruit,  and  that  thy  servants 
may  duly  bear  witness  to  thee  with  upright  minds,  that 
thy  holy  Christian  Church  may  be  edified  thereby,  and 
serve  thee  in  firm  faith  and  remain  stedfast  in  the  know- 
ledge of  thee  :    through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  Bishop  turns  to  the  congregation  and  says  : 

The  men  who  are  now  to  be  consecrated  to  the  Holy 
Office  of  the  Priesthood  are  the  following  : 

The  Registrar  then  reads  aloud  the  names  of  those  who 
are  to  be  ordained,  together  with  the  cures  to  which  they 
are  called. 

Afterwards  the  Bishop  continues: 

Seeing  that  ye  arc  called  to  the  Holy  Office  of  the 
Priesthood,  and  that  ye  with  us  and  we  with  you  may 
rightly  consider  the  sacredncss  of  this  calling,  let  us  now 
hear  the  promise  and  the  exhortation  of  God's  Word. 

Then  /he  assistants  read  the  following  passages  from 
the  Bible  :  (Matt,  xxviii.  18-20  ;  John  xxi.  15-17 ;  xx. 
21-23;  Matt.  x.  32-33;  2  Cor.  v.  17- jo;  Jer.  xv.  19; 
Ezek.  iii.  17-19;  Matt.  v.  13-16;  1  Tim.  iv.  7  8, 
12-14,   ib;    2  Tim.  ii.  15-16,  22-25). 

Then  the  Bishop  says  : 

The  Lord  grant  you  grace  to  keep  these  words  faithfully 
in  your  hearts.  Let  them  be  a  guide  for  your  lives,  a 
reminder  of  your  responsibility.  Let  them  increase  your 
vigilance,  let  them  inflame  your  zeal,  to  sanctify  your- 
selves unto  the  service  of  the  Chief  Shepherd,  now  and 
lor  evermore, 


CONSECRATION    )<)    PRIESTHOOD        151 

The  Church  of  God  eXpecteth  of  you,  that  ye  bear 
in  mind  the  importance  of  the  Office  of  the  Priesthood, 
which  to-day  is  committed  to  you,  together  with  the 
holy  duties  it  imposeth  upon  you,  and  that  ye  by  faithful 
prayer  to  God  in  the  Name  of  Jesus  seek  grace  and  power 
to  shew  yourselves  true  servants  of  the  Lord  in  the  exer- 
cise of  this  office.  The  Lord  help  you  to  fight  the  good 
light  of  the  faith,  to  lay  hold  upon  eternal  life,  and  to 
make  a  good  confession. 

Confess  now  before  God  and  his  congregation  your 
Christian  faith. 

They  who  arc  to  be  consecrated  make  their  confession 
of  faith  : 

1  believe  in  God,  Father,  etc. 

When  the  confession  of  faith  has  been  made,  the  Bishop 
says  : 

The  Lord  give  you  grace  to  remain  stedfast  in  this 
faith  unto  the  end,  and  to  strengthen  them  therein 
who  are  your  brethren  in  the  faith. 

Then  Hie  Bishop  puts  the  following  questions  : 

In  the  presence  of  God  and  this  congregation  I 
demand  : 

Do  ye  declare  yourselves  willing  in  the  Name  ol 
the  Holy  Trinity  to  undertake  the  solemn  Office  of  the 
Priesthood  and  administer  it  to  the  glory  of  God  and 
the  salvation  of  souls  ? 

Answer:   Yea. 

Will  ye  to  the  best  of  your  understanding  and  con- 
science preach  the  word  of  God  clearly  and  plainly,  as  it 
is  given  us  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  as  the  confessional 
documents  of  our  Church  bear  witness  thereto? 

Answer  :   Yea. 

Will  ye  also  in  the  exercise  of  the  Priest's  Office  observe 
and  administer  the  law  and  valid  statutes  of  the  Church  ; 
will    ye    shew    your    superiors    dutiful    obedience    and 


152  THE   SWEDIM1    KITE 

faithfully  submit  to  that  which  ye  are  commanded  ;  will 
ye  exhort  your  hearers  to  the  practice  of  piety  and  serve 
them  faithfully  and  willingly  :  will  ye  have  a  Christlike 
care  for  the  poor,  the  sick  and  the  defenceless,  and  by 
the  grace  God  granteth  comfort  and  raise  up  distressed 
and  anxious  hearts  ? 

.  1  nswer  :   Yea. 

Will  ve  likewise  so  shape  your  lives  that  they  may  be 
examples  to  the  faithful  and  an  offence  to  no  one? 

.1  nswer  :   Yea. 

Then  the  following  oath  is  administered  by  the  Registrar 
and  repeated  by  each  and  all  of  the  Ordinands,  who  say 
their  names  therein  : 

I,  N.N.,  in  the  presence  of  the  all-knowing  God,  and 
with  the  great  day  of  reckoning  before  my  eyes,  do 
promise,  that  by  God's  grace  and  help  I  will  give  honest 
and  conscientious  obedience  to  all  this. 

Then  the  Bishop  says  : 

Almighty  God  strengthen  and  help  you  to  fulfil  these 
promises.  And  according  to  the  commission,  which  is 
entrusted  to  me  for  this  purpose  on  God's  behalf  by 
his  Church,  I  commit  to  you  hereby  the  Office  of  the 
Priesthood,  in  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the 
Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

They,  who  are  being  consecrated,  kneel,  and  the  choir, 
softly  accompanied  by  the  organ,  commence  singing  Hymn 

0  thou  Holy  Spirit,  come  unto  us;  with  grace  and 
peace  abide  in  the  hearts  of  thy  faithful  ones;  kindle, 
in  them  the  living  fire  of  thy  love,  and  keep  them,  thou 
who  gatherest  the  people  of  every  tongue  and  nation, 
united  in  the  faith  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Halleluia  ! 
Halleluia  ! 

During  the  singing  Hie  Bishop  delivers  to  them  who  are 
being  consecrated  the  Letters  of  Priest's  Orders;   then  the 


CONSECRATION   TO   PRIESTHOOD        i.y; 

assistants  robe  them  in  chasubles,  after  which  iheOrdinands 
kneel  at  the  altar  rail.  At  the  end  of  the  singing  the  Bishop 
and  the  assistants  lay  their  hands  on  their  heads,  caul  the 
Bishop  prays  over  each  and  all  of  them  especially  : 

Our  Father,  which  art  in  heaven;  hallowed  he 
thy  name;  thy  kingdom  come;  thy  will  be  done  in- 
earth AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN  ;  GIVE  US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY 
BREAD;  AND  FORGIVE  US  OUR  TRESPASSES,  AS  WE  FOR- 
GIVE THEM  THAT  TRESPASS  AGAINST  US;  AND  LEAD  US 
NOT  INTO  TEMPTATION  J  BUT  DELIVER  US  FROM  EVIL  ;  FOR 
THINE  IS  THE  KINGDOM,  THE  POWER,  AND  THE  GLORY  FOR 
EVER  AND  EVER.      AMEN. 

Then  the  Bishop  returns  to  the  altar  and  says, 

Let  us  pray, 
and  facing  the  altar  offers  the  following  prayer  : 

Eternal  and  merciful  God,  heavenly  Father  :  We  most 
heartily  pray  thee  that  thou  wilt  mercifully  look  upon 
these  thy  servants,  who  are  now  consecrated  to  thy 
service  in  the  Holy  Office  of  the  Priesthood,  and  give  them 
thy  Holy  Spirit.  Grant  them  that  they  may  henceforth 
be  strengthened  in  watchfulness  and  prayer  through 
thy  word,  and  abide  stedfast  in  the  contest  for  thy  king- 
dom, that  they  may  correct,  chastise,  and  exhort  with 
all  meekness  and  instruction  :  to  the  end  that  thy  holy 
gospel  may  abide  pure  and  undefiled  in  our  midst  and 
yield  us  the  fruit  of  eternal  life  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  the  Bishop  turns  to  them  that  are  consecrated ,  who 
now  stand  up,  and  says  :   (1  Pet.  v.  2-4). 

Lastly  the  Bishop  says  : 

Bow  your  hearts  to  God  and  receive  the  blessing. 

The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you  ;  the  Lord 
make  his  countenance  to  shine  upon  you  and  be 
gracious  unto  you  ;  the  lord  turn  his  countenance 
toward  you  and  give  you  peace. 

M 


154  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

In  the  name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and 
the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

At  the  end  a  hymn  is  sung,  during  which  the  Bishop  and 
the  others  return  to  the  sacristy. 


Proclamation  and  Prayer,  which  is  to  be  read  aloud 
from  the  Pulpit  after  the  Sermon  with  its 
accompanying  prayer,  on  the  day  when  the 
Ordination  of  Priests  is  to  take  place. 

At  the  end  of  service  a  consecration  to  the  Holy  Office 
of  the  Priesthood  is  to  be  performed  in  this  house  of  the 
Lord.  This  Christian  congregation  is,  therefore,  exhorted 
to  ask  the  Lord  God  in  united  prayer  for  his  grace  and 
blessing  upon  them,  who  are  now  to  enter  this  same  office. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  merciful  God,  Father  of  love,  we  most  heaitilv 
thank  thee  that  thou,  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  hast 
instituted  on  eaith  the  preaching-office  and  hast  merci- 
fully preserved  it  among  us  even  to  this  time  :  We  pray 
thee  that  thou  through  thy  Holy  Spirit  wilt  direct  and 
rule  all  faithful  teachers  in  thy  Church,  that  the  pure 
truth  of  thy  word  may  be  preached  for  all  time.  Look 
mercifully  upon  the  men  who  are  now  to  receive  this 
office,  and  seal  thyself  from  thy  heaven  the  consecration 
which  is  given  them  upon  earth,  that  through  their  ser- 
vice  thy  great  Name  may  be  duly  honoured,  and  the 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ  more  and  more  glorified  in  his 
Church.     Amen. 


CHAPTER   XV 

HOW    AN    INCUMBENT   SHALL   BE   SET    IN    A   PARISH 

The  ceremony  is  performed  by  the  Bishop,  or  such  as  he 
appoints  for  it,  on  a  Sunday  or  Holy-day,  or,  if  circum- 
stances unavoidably  require  it,  on  a  weekday  and  immedi- 
ately ufon  taking  possession  of  the  benefice,  provided  no 
legal  impediment  exists.  The  congregation  is  informed  of 
the  fact  by  an  announcement  beforehand.  The  Bishop,  or 
he  aha  represents  him,  as  well  as  some  neighbouring  Incum- 
bents, or  where  such  are  not  to  be  had,  other  Priests  are 
gathered  together  with  the  new  Incumbent  (introducendus) 
in  the  sacristy  on  the  appointed  day.  Before  the  public 
service  the  ceremony  is  begun  with  a  hymn,  during  which  the 
new  Incumbent  wearinga  chasuble,  and  after  him  the .  I  ssist- 
ant  Priests  and  lastly  the  Bishop,  or  he  who  represents 
him,  proceed  to  the  altar.  He  who  performs  the  consecra- 
tion, takes  up  his  place  before  the  altar,  his  assistants  on 
either  side  of  the  altar  rails  and  the  new  Incumbent  in  the 
choir  opposite  the  altar.  When  the  hymn  has  been  sung 
the  Bishop  says  : 

In  the  Name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Hoi}-  Spirit.     Amen. 

Then  the  Bishop  delivers  his  address,  and  when  that  is 
concluded  he  says  : 

Let  us  pray. 

Thereupon  lie  turns  to  the  altar  and  prays,  while  the  rest 
kneel  with  him : 

Almighty,  eternal  God,  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  thou  hast  thyself  commanded  us   to    pray  for 

155 


156  THE  SWEDISH   RITE 

labourers  in  thy  harvest:  Vouchsafe  in  thy  mercj  to 
send  us  honest  teachers  and  plant  thy  holy  and  whole- 
some word  in  their  heart  and  mouth  !  Grant  them 
grace  to  give  heed  rightly  to  themselves  and  to  the  doc- 
trine, and  faithfully  to  fulfil  thy  commands.  Give  us, 
Lord,  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  thy  word  may  ever  remain 
among  us,  to  grow  up  and  bear  abundant  fruit,  and  that 
thy  servants  may  duly  bear  witness  to  thee  with  upright 
minds,  that  thy  holy  Christian  Church  may  be  edified 
thereby,  and  serve  thee  in  firm  faith  and  remain  stedfast 
in  the  knowledge  of  thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

The  Bishop  turns  lo  the  congregation  and  says  : 

The  commission  to  the  appointed  Incumbent  will  now 
be  read  aloud. 

Then  the  Registrar,  or  one  of  the  assistants,  reads  aloud 
the  commission,  and  afterwards  hands  it  to  the  Bishop  or 
his  representative,  who  says  : 

After  being  duly  called  thou  hast  come  this  day  before 
the  altar  of  the  Lord  to  be  set  in  the  office  of  Incumbent 
in  this  Christian  congregation  of  N.N.  [these  Christian 
congregations  of  N.N.]. 

But,  dear  brother,  to  the  end  that  thou  with  us  and 
we  with  thee  may  duly  consider  the  sacredness  of  thy 
calling,  we  will  now  hear  the  promise  and  exhortation 
of  God's  Word. 

Then  the  assistants  read  the  following  passages  from  the 
Bible  :  (Matt,  xxviii.  18-20 ;  John  xxi.  15-17 ;  Eph.  iv. 
10-12  ;  Jer.  xv.  19 ;  2  Tim.  iv.  1-5  ;  ii.  15-16,  22-25  '> 
Ezek.  iii.  17-19;    1  Pet.  v.  2-4;   Luke  xii.  42-44). 

Then  the  Bishop  says  : 

The  Lord  grant  thee  grace  to  keep  these  words  faith- 
fully in  thy  heart.  Let  them  be  a  guide  for  thy  life  and 
a  reminder  of  thy  responsibility.  Let  them  increase 
thy  vigilance,  and  inflame  thy  zeal  to  consecrate  thyself 


AN   INCUMBENT  SET  IN   A   PARISH      157 

unto  the  service  of  the  Chief  Shepherd  to  the  faithful 
and  conscientious  care  of  the  Christian  congregation 
[these  Christian  congregations]. 

The  Church  of  God  expecteth  of  thee  that  thou  bear  in 
mind  the  importance  of  the  office  of  Incumbent,  which 
to-day  is  committed  to  thee,  together  with  the  holy 
duties  it  imposcth  upon  thee,  and  that  thou  by  faithful 
prayer  to  God  in  the  Name  of  Jesus  seek  grace  and  power 
to  shew  thyself  a  true  servant  of  the  Lord  in  the  exercise 
of  this  office.  The  Lord  help  thee  to  fight  the  good  fight 
of  the  faith,  to  lay  hold  upon  eternal  life  and  to  make  a 
good  confession. 

Confess  now  before  God  and  his  congregation  the  Chris- 
tian faith. 

The  new  Incumbent  makes  his  confession  of  faith  : 

I  believe  in  God,  Father  Almighty,  maker  of 
heaven  and  earth.  i  believe  likewise  in  jesus 
Christ,  his  only-begotten  Son,  our  Lord,  who   is 

BEGOTTEN   OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT  ;     BORN   OF  THE   VIRGIN 

Mary;  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  crucified, 
dead  and  buried;  descended  into  the  kingdom  of 
death;  on  the  third  DAY  ARISEN  again  from  the 
dead  ;  ascended  into  heaven  \  sitting  on  the  right 
side  of  God  the  Father  Almighty;  from  thence 
coming  again  to  judge  living  and  dead. 

i  believe  likewise  in  the  holy  spirit ;  one  holy, 
universal  church,  the  communion  of  saints,  the 
forgiveness  of  sins,  the  resurrection  of  the  dead 
and  an  everlasting  life. 

When  the  confession  has  been  made,  the  Bishop  says  : 
The  Lord  God  grant  thee  grace   to   remain    stedfast 
in  this  faith  unto  the  end,  and  to  strengthen  them  therein, 
who  are  thy  brethren  in  the  faith. 

Then  (lie  Bishop  puis  the  following  quest  ions  : 

Dost  thou  declare  thyself  willing  in  the  Name  of  the 


158  THE   SWEDISH   RITE 

Holy  Trinity  to  undertake  the  office  of  Incumbent  in 

this  Christian  congregation  of  N.N.  [these  Christian 
congregations  of  N.N.]  ? 

Ansu  er  :    Yea. 

Wilt  thou  so  strive  in  it  that  this  office  may  be  fulfilled 

by  thee  in  all  its  parts  rightly  and  worthily,  to  the  glory 
of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souE  ? 

Ansu  er  :   Yea. 

"Wilt  thou  therefore  ever  remain  stedfast  in  the  pure 
word  of  God,  avoid  all  false  and  heretical  doctrine, 
and  rightly  preach  Jesus  Christ  according  to  God's  Word, 
and  administer  the  holy  sacraments  in  accordance  with 
his  institution  ? 

Answer:    Yea. 

Wilt  thou  likewise  so  direct  thy  lite,  that  it  may  be  an 
example  to  the  faithful  and  an  offence  to  no  one  ? 

Answer:    Yea. 

Then  the  Bishop  says  : 

Almighty  God  strengthen  and  help  thee  to  fulfil  these 
promises.  And  according  to  the  commission,  which  is 
entrusted  to  me  for  this  purpose,  I  commit  to  thee  the 
ofrice  of  Incumbent  in  this  Christian  congregation  of  X.X. 
these  Christian  congregations  of  N.N.]  in  the  Name  of 
God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit.    Amen. 

The  Bishop  herewith  hands  over  to  the  Incumbent  the  royal 
or  capitular  commission  :  the  Incumbent  k)iecls,  and  the 
Bishop  and  the  assistants  lay  hands  on  his  head  and  pray  : 

Our  Father,  which  art  in  heaven;  hallowed  be 
thy  name  ;  thy  kingdom  come  \  thy  will  be  done  in 
earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  \  give  us  this  day  our  daily 

bread;  AND  FORGIVE  US  OUR  TRESPASSES,  AS  WE  FOR- 
GIVE THEM  THAT  TRESPASS  AGAINST  US  ;  AND  LEAD  US 
NOT  INTO  TEMPTATION;  BUT  DELIVER  US  FROM  EVIL; 
FOR  THINE  IS  THE  KINGDOM.  THE  POWER,  AND  THE  GLORY 
FOR   EVER   AND   EVER.      AMEN. 


AN   INCUMBENT  SET   IN   A    PARISH      159 

Then  the  Bishop  returns  to  the  altar  and  say  . 

Let  us  pray, 
and  facing  the  altar  offers  the  following  prayer  : 

O  merciful  God,  dear  heavenly  Father,  thou,  who  ha  t 
graciously  promised  and  taught  us  thai  thou  wilt  through 
the  preaching  of  Christ  crucified  save  them  who  believe  : 
We  heartily  pray  thee  that  thou  wilt  mercifully  and 
bounteously  endue  with  the  grace  and  power  of  thy  H0I3 
Spirit  this  thy  servant,  whom  thou  hast  sent  and  ap- 
pointed pastor  of  this  congregation  [these  congregations]. 
Grant  that  by  this  means  he  ma\  be  strengthened  and 
stedfast,  firm  and  unflinching  in  all  assaults  of  doubt, 
and  that  he  may  faithfully  and  diligently  feed  with  thy 
word  and  care  for  thy  congregation,  to  the  praise  and 
honour  of  thy  holy  name  and  to  the  edifying  and  advance- 
ment of  thy  Christian  people  :  through  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  the  Bishop  says  to  the  Incumbent: 

Bow  thy  heart  to  God  and  receive  the  blessing. 

The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee;  the  Lord 
make  his  countenance  to  shine  upon  thee  and  be 
gracious  unto  thee  ;  the  lord  turn  his  countenance 
toward  thee  and  give  thee  peace  ! 

In  the  name  of  God,  the  Father  and  the  Son  and 
the  Holy  Spirit.  Amen. 

At  the  end  a  hymn  is  sung,  during  which  the  Bishop  and 
the  others  return  to  the  sacristy. 


Printed    in    Great    Britain    by 

Richard  Clay  &   Sons,    Limited, 

karis  garden,  stamford  st.,  s.e.  i, 

and  bungay.  suffolk. 


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